Child Caregiver Infectious Disease Profile Testing

FAQ

1. What is a child caregiver infectious disease profile?

   A child caregiver infectious disease profile test helps those who are in contact with children be aware of any present health-related issues that could ultimately affect their health or that of a child. It tests patients for infectious diseases, offering results that are typically part of the hiring process in healthcare and childcare facilities, as well as by those who hire home-based childcare workers (i.e., nannies).

2. What are some common infectious diseases child caregivers are exposed to?

   Some common infectious diseases that child caregivers are exposed to are:

   • Common cold
   • Influenza and other respiratory infections
   • Diarrhea and gastroenteritis
   • Conjunctivitis as well as other eye problems
   • Chickenpox
   • Measles
   • Lice

   In a childcare environment, children are exposed to many of these diseases from other children, but the ones that could be passed on to them from their adult caregivers are:

   • HIV
   • Syphilis
   • Herpes Simplex
   • Hepatitis

   Therefore, it is important to be vaccinated for common childcare diseases when available and test for the presence of other infectious diseases before working in children's environments.

3. Who should get a child caregiver infectious disease test?

   Anyone interested in beginning a career in childcare or who already works in this field will benefit from this series of tests. Not only do the results provide a clean bill of health to a potential or current employer, but they also give individuals confidence in their health-related to infectious diseases and general wellbeing. Some employers may require these tests to be performed within a certain amount of time before or after employment.

4. What can I expect from my child caregiver infectious disease test?

   The child caregiver infectious disease profile test consists of blood tests and having a patient supply a urine sample to the laboratory for testing. It is important that the urine sample is the first-void urine of the day or that the patient avoids urinating for at least 1 hour before having the specimen collected for the testing to be effective.

   Please speak to your doctor regarding your results and how they concern your health.

5. How can child caregivers protect themselves from infection?

   To protect themselves, caregivers should take preventive actions like:

   • Avoid close contact with high-risk children
   • Wash their hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
   • Maintain good hygiene practices
   • Avoid sharing food with children who have a diarrhea-like illness

6. Do I need to visit a doctor?

   No doctor visit needed.

7. How do I get my results?

   You get your results via email as soon as they are available.

8. Does my lab prescription expire?

   Your lab prescription never expires.*