TB skin test control????

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I had something I wanted to ask you guys and gals!

Have you ever given a control of some type intradermally when administering a TB skin test? Recently a ppd was ordered for my pt with a lung cavitation. they sent the ppd and a candida shot to be administered. I called pharm and they said they use it as a control. Have I been living under a rock?

Tell me what you know about candida controls for PPD. :) Cheers, Ivanna

[mamamerlee, LPN]

Frequently done for those who are immunocompromised.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

So if the candida comes back indurated also, the PPd is negative? Ivanna :)

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

This is a common practice to give a control or controls....They usually use candida or mumps. If memory serves me...it tests for cell-mediated immunity. Most people have been exposed to the control...so if the control is positive..you can trust the PPD results..at least that is my understanding...now I will need to double check b/c I am now curious