#WeAreMayoClinic
POPA Question: TB Tests
Hi!
I'm super excited to be joining Mayo Clinic this June. I have a quick question about the POPA appointment. I have already set up my POPA appointment and I am spending three days in Rochester this May. I called the POPA phone number due to the fact I saw that I needed two TB skin tests and they told me they could only be performed at Mayo. You have the initial meeting with the nurse, you then get the tests done, and then you need to have another TB test done two weeks later. Did you guys have to fly up twice to Mayo Clinic for the TB tests or can I get the second TB test done at my local hospital? Thanks!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the New Employee Connections group.
Hey! You need to have two TB test within one year of your start date. You can get one of those done on your visit to Mayo (you have to wait 10 days in between TB test administration). And, you can take care of the other on your own! I would call occupational health and double check your times/protocol too! Good luck with your visit!
Hi @ayeffron! I just started at St. Mary's hospital last week. I went in for my initial TB test and I was told I had to wait two weeks before I could get the next test, but they said it could be after I started working. They give you a sheet for the second test to take with you and it has an expiration date and the first date you can get the 2nd TB test. Hope this helps!
I am starting at the Phoenix Mayo next week and they gave me one at my appointment and told me my second one was going to be at orientation. You can always call them and ask
First, congrats @ayeffron ! If it is in Rochester then I can share with you what happened to me.
During POPA, I went in for the first TB test on March 11 (got poked) & 13 (to see result within 48-72 hours) @ Mayo, then they'll give you a piece of paper with the order for the second test (poking the other arm) which can be done 1 week later (March 18) or as late as 6 weeks (something like that, I can't remember the date). I'm going in today for my final visit so I can chalk this task completed. I was told that it had to be Mayo for my tests so I am guessing depending on where you are working they may have different guidelines. Because my POPA was one week prior to me starting, I didn't fly back and forth, however if you are flying in for POPA and then flying back only to be returning back for your Orientation (starting week) then yes, you will be flying back and forth (assuming you are working at Rochester). Hope that helped.
There are a lot of great responses here, and this does fall into that "it depends" category. Your best bet is to contact Occupational Health directly (http://intranet.mayo.edu/charlie/occupational-health-services-rst/). They will let you know your options.
Response on behalf of Occupational Health Services:
We are looking forward to seeing you for your POPA exam. You do not need to fly to Mayo Clinic again for your second TB skin test. Your second TB skin test will be completed after you start in your position and can be done at Mayo Clinic or at a local hospital and the nurse will review this with you at your appointment.
That is good news! How long after your first TB do you start? I heard that your second TB has to be within 6 weeks of the first. Appreciate the help! Regards, Ken
Hello! I was wondering about how long after your offer it was before you received the email to schedule for POPA. I have gotten to that point in my onboarding paperwork and I have gotten an email to schedule with HR, but not from Occupational Health yet. I want to make sure I am able to plan ahead and that I am not missing something. Thank you all so much!
You can always reach out to Occupational Health directly at (507) 284-3211, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and explain your situation.