Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Friday, 16 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 December 2005. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Thursday, 12 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Tuberculosis

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 8 December 2005, Official Report, columns 1578–9W, on tuberculosis, what steps she is taking to ensure nurses are familiar with the need for a patient group direction to administer Mantoux-strength purified protein derivative.

Answer: The Statens Serum Insitut (SSI) Tuberculin PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) used routinely in the Mantoux test is a prescription only medicine (POM) and unlicensed. Such products may only be prescribed by an appropriate practitioner, such as a doctor or extended formulary nurse prescriber (EFNP). EFNPs can prescribe, administer (and direct others to administer) licensed and unlicensed Tuberculin PPD (and BCG vaccine) as listed in Schedule 3A of the Medicines Act, 1968.This information was issued to the nursing and medical professions on 19 July 2005 and is available on the Department's website at:"http://www.doh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/80/17/04118017.pdf."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 39311; 441 c883-4W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Tuberculosis
Thursday, 8 December 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Nurses Training Screening Vaccination Tuberculosis Skin
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk