Does this sound like TB induration

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Ughhh! I just had the worst experience at my local community clinic for my annual TB test. The medical asst who started to measure takes out the ruler and started to measure the whole reddened area (I am fair and have very sensitive skin) and she says it looks like 10mm, I said, "no way, you don't measure the reddened area, just the induration". She keeps trying to measure and then says she's going to get the dr for a second opinion-ummmyeah! Dr comes by and says oh, I feel something it's a 2. Meanwhile, there is no clearly visible raised area at all! All my PPD tests have always come back at 0. Should I go get a retest somewhere else? I feel like I was seen by two of the most incompetent people ever!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Yeah, just go get retested somewhere else. I'm fair skinned too and my

skin does HORRIBLE things after I get my test every year, but by the time

the test needs to be read, the redness and swelling have gone down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The same thing happened to me 20 years ago. The other nurses said it was fine but the nurse doing my reading said it was too big and I was doomed ever since. I was put on INH for 6 months and can no longer do the skin tests. For teaching I had to have a chest xray every 2-4 years. Not sure how often I'll have to do one once I start working as a nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Sometimes it can be really tough to determine when the induration actually starts. I've learned it's best for me to turn away from the area so as not to be visually fooled by any redness and just feel the edges gently - only then do I turn back to measure the area.

You would be best just to go get the tet done somewhere else.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

SOOOO many people count the redness. They aren't properly trained or it has been so long they forget. Go somewhere else.

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

You really need to discuss this with your treating physician. As per the terms of service of this site that we all agreed to when we signed up: "

12. You agree NOT to seek medical or legal advice.

13. You agree NOT to offer medical or legal advice.

Medical Advice: ALLNURSES.COM, INC or it's members do not offer medical advice. Any requests for such will be taken down. If you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your health care provider. You are not allowed to ask for medical advice related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone you know." https://allnurses.com/terms-info.htmlTerms of Service for Nurses | Nursing Students

While I understand your frustration this is not something that can be solved on an online message board. You can consult with your private physician or you can also contact your local board of health for advice, assistance or repeat testing. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment