Nationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigen Solution ALTSA: ALF #2019-009

Nationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigen Solution ALTSA: ALF #2019-009

Dear Assisted Living Facility Administrator:

On June 6, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory about an expected shortage of APLISOL®. APLISOL® is one of two purified-protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin antigens that are licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in performing tuberculin skin tests. The manufacturer reported that a shortage of APLISOL® 5 mL (50 tests) is expected in June 2019, followed by a supply interruption of APLISOL® 1 mL (10 tests) in November 2019. The manufacturer estimates the shortage will last three to ten months, but warns the timeframe is subject to change.

The other approved PPD tuberculin skin test (TST), TUBERSOL®, is expected to be available. Additionally, an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test is available to test for tuberculosis (TB).

While the shortage is ongoing and supply is difficult to obtain, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends following CDC guidelines in the health alert for TB testing. Please refer to the Health Advisory for more information about these options.
 Substitute TUBERSOL® for APLISOL® for skin testing.
 Substitute IGRA blood tests for TSTs
 Prioritize allocation of TSTs, in consultation with state and local public health authorities. CDC recommends testing only for persons who are at risk of TB. More