TB skin test

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Well I am interested in becoming a CNA. I know they require for me take the tb skin test. I already know I am a PPD reactor I already took the 9 month medication but I lost the paper where it shows it. My question is, Can I still attend the program while I'm taking the medication or do I have to wait the 9 months to be able to start it? Thank you any answers would help.:uhoh3:

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I'm confused -- you said you already took the nine months of medication? You don't have to take it again, once is sufficient. Once you have a + Mantoux test result, there is no reason to give you the test again (the results will always be positive from now on) and, in fact, it can be dangerous to you. Just tell your employee/student/whatever health person that you have a history of a + Mantoux test. Your new employer or school will have a policy for what to do in that situation -- either a chest X-ray to verify that you don't have active TB, or a health assessment questionnaire that assesses for symptoms of active TB.

Either way, you don't have to (shouldn't have!) another skin test, and you don't have to take medication again.

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Well I am interested in becoming a CNA. I know they require for me take the tb skin test. I already know I am a PPD reactor I already took the 9 month medication but I lost the paper where it shows it. My question is, Can I still attend the program while I'm taking the medication or do I have to wait the 9 months to be able to start it? Thank you any answers would help.:uhoh3:

Hi - Its my understanding that if you have a positive TB test they will require you to take a chest x-ray. If the initial chest x-ray is negative, follow-up chest x-rays are needed only if the employee develops symptoms consistent with TB. Usually they monitor closely.

I would guess that they wont allow you to work. That is just my opinion since you are not an employee yet.

I would suggest to find your missing paper and let them know whats going on before hand. That way you will know what to be prepared for. Nip it in the bud. Also, I would contact the NH board of Nursing and inquire there as well. They will be able to direct you to the next step.

Hope that helps do let us know how things turn out. Good luck!

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Tons of people in healthcare (and the general public) have + PPDs, and it is no barrier to employment or working. I've been positive for >20 years, and it has never been an issue in starting a new job. I did the year of INH when my test first turned (in nursing school), and I never received any "paper" that said I had done it (although I suppose the public health dept. I went to would have the records if I ever really needed them), nor has any healthcare employer ever asked me for any documentation -- they've just taken my word for it.

As long as you don't have active TB, it's just not an issue. Also, it has nothing to do with the Board of Nursing (at least, not in any of the states I've practiced in over the years).

Just tell your school or employer, when the subject of the skin test comes up, that you have a history of a + test, and they will take it from there. Good luck with your new career!

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Thank you to everyone, well I got my answer. All I need is a chest

X-ray.:idea:

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