Evaluation of Time and Productivity Costs of Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) Testing

In necessitating a follow-up visit, PPD testing incurs substantial time losses. Since 63% of these time losses occur during paid working hours, the PPD test also incurs significant productivity losses for employers. These losses call for the evaluation of a more cost-effective system of tuberculosis testing. This study was approved by Lifespan - The Miriam Hospital IRB (approval #925592-12). All participants provided written informed consent prior to participating.