2nd tb test is freaking me out

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok so I took my first tb test like a week or so ago. Nothing happen. No rise when shot was administered and skin was smooth as a baby's bottom for 2 days. So I took the tb test again on the opposite arm. Their was a slight small rise after test was administered but the next day I have a big welt that's about a nickle to quarter size rise with slight pinkish redness where skin has risen a little. It looks like a mosquito bite. No define bump in the middle and no redness on the outside of welt. I'm freaking out and trying not to but I see the nurse early tomorrow and it hoping it goes away. I know you all can't give medical advice but has this happened to anyone on the second test?

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Specializes in retired LTC.

No, we can't provide medical info. Also, we don't have long range vision to actually see your PPD site.

Reactions are determined at 48 to 72 hours post injection. It doesn't count BEFORE then.

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Thanks for your response but i was asking if anyone experienced what I'm experiencing. Not expecting anyone to diagnose me.

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Diagnosis of what exactly is going on with you is up to the responsible MD.

That being said, the technique used in giving the PPD can make a difference. If it's given too deeply a skin reaction can occur. I worked at a prison, and we had to give PPDs to everyone--false "positive"s do occur, usually due to allergies or improper technique. In your case, I would say, defer to the occupational health nurse's judgement--no doubt s/he has seen this sort of thing before.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I will just say this- last time I had a PPD, I was SURE I had TB. I emailed my family and was all serious like "don't be worried but I probably have tb." But, it was just passing inflammation, lol. Definitely see your doctor when it's time and make sure they know your concerns.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

There is good reason TB tests aren't read until 48-72 hours.

There was a manufacturer for 5 years I was mildly allergic to a component and would get a giant hive that itched and turned my arm red. No induration = no TB.

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Specializes in NICU.

Why did you take it a second time?

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I had to take the TB twice for the nursing program I'm entering

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Update!

My 2nd test came back positive so I got an cxr done the same day. I just got a called from my doctor that my cxr was negative, but I'm prescribed medicine in order to prevent active TB from happening!

I'm just happy I'm not spreading TB around (although very common to have) and to be honest I'm happy I found out so that I can take steps to prevent it.

Thanks everyone for their response!

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Update!

My 2nd test came back positive so I got an cxr done the same day. I just got a called from my doctor that my cxr was negative, but I'm prescribed medicine in order to prevent active TB from happening!

I'm just happy I'm not spreading TB around (although very common to have) and to be honest I'm happy I found out so that I can take steps to prevent it.

Thanks everyone for their response!

I had to take the 2-step TB test, as well, but I wonder why the results didn't show on the first test? I guess that's why they make you take it twice, but still, I understand why it wouldn't show initially. :borg:

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I always get a skin reaction when I take the TB skin test. No positive reaction, just like, an allergic reaction of some sort.

Fortunately my current employer, who I'm staying with for the long haul, has determined that I will no longer take the skin test. (Yayyy!)

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Specializes in NICU.

Well you'll never need a PPD skin test again!

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