If a lab technologist has a positive tuberculin skin test but no other abnormalities, how long is the donation deferral?

• A. No deferral
• B. 1 week
• C. 2 weeks
• D. No deferral as long as there is no abnormality

Answer: (D)

A positive tuberculin skin test shows prior exposure to TB, not necessarily active disease. The donation decision hinges on whether active TB is present. If the donor has no symptoms and the exam is normal, there is no deferral simply because the skin test is positive. Latent TB infection is not contagious in the absence of symptoms, and donation is allowed when there is no active disease. A deferral would be needed only if there are signs or symptoms suggestive of active TB (such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss) or if the person is undergoing TB treatment. In this scenario, with no abnormal findings, no deferral is required.