A TB test must be conducted within how long before employment for each employee?

The requirement for conducting a tuberculosis (TB) test within one month before employment is based on public health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of TB in healthcare settings. A one-month timeframe allows for timely detection of potential TB infections, ensuring that employees do not pose a risk to patients and other staff members in a health facility.

Conducting the test too far in advance, such as three months or six months prior to employment, could mean that any potential exposure or infection occurring after the test would not be detected, thereby compromising the safety of the healthcare environment. A shorter window, such as one week, may not provide adequate time for processing test results or for follow-up testing or treatment if necessary. Therefore, the one-month requirement strikes a balance between ensuring a timely assessment of employee health and maintaining public safety standards in healthcare settings.