TB Test

Hawai`i State Law also requires all students to be “cleared” for Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a highly contagious disease, so the University needs to make sure that you do not have TB. Your TB test must be performed in the United States or in a U.S. territory (such as Guam and American Samoa) to be accepted. TB tests done in Palau, the Marshall Islands or the Federated States of Micronesia are not acceptable, so if you are from one of the Compact of Free Association nations you will need to get a TB test in Hilo.

All international students (except those who may have had a TB test done in the U.S. in the last two years) must get a TB test when you arrive in Hilo. Our Student Medical Services will give you the test on campus; the cost is $12. We will take you to the Student Medical Services office on campus during the new international student orientation. Even if you received a TB test in your home country, you will need to get another TB test in Hilo. Some of you might also be required to get a chest x-ray. If the Student Medical Services staff tells you that you must get a chest x-ray, we will take you to a clinic off-campus to get the x-ray during orientation week. Depending on the health insurance plan you have, there might be a cost for the x-ray (typically $75 or more). The TB test must be completed before the first day of classes or you will not be allowed to attend class.