Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
TB Screening Guide
Content last reviewed 2026-09-12 · Educational information — not medical advice
Who this covers
CNAs, STNAs, patient care technicians, direct-care staff
Why this requirement exists
CNAs deliver the most hands-on care in long-term-care settings — exactly where TB outbreaks concentrate among elderly residents. Federal nursing-home requirements (42 CFR 483.80) oblige facilities to screen employees, and most state CNA registries tie into facility onboarding checks.
Worth knowing
Registry note: several states require TB clearance documentation as part of initial CNA registry listing or renewal through training programs. Training programs themselves usually collect it before clinical hours begin.
Order the required tests
Direct-access laboratory testing — no doctor visit needed. Results arrive as forwardable PDFs that satisfy most compliance offices.
We may earn a commission when you order through partner links. This guide is educational and never replaces advice from your program office, employer, or healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Is TB testing required before CNA classes?
Nearly always yes — training programs need clearance before students touch residents, both for their protection and the facility's.
Skin test or blood test for CNA jobs?
Either is usually accepted. The blood test wins when you can't return for the 48–72 hour skin-test read or received BCG vaccination abroad.