Annual TB screening

[cell12345]

With regard to the annual TB screening we are required to get to practice nursing--every year my arm turns very, very red, like an apple, and stays that way for about 10 days. Does anyone have this type of reaction, which I am assuming is an allergy to the solution? I am required to get the two step part done this year. I've already had the first injection and it looks pretty bad, but no raised bump, so not positive for TB. I am wondering if the second injection could cause a serious allergice reaction (i.e. throat closing, main fear!)

[TazziRN, RN]

Sounds like you need to talk to your emp health department about getting a chest film rather than the skin test.

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

I have the same problem- no bump, so it's not a positive test, but I am allergic to one of the preservatives in one brand of the solution. My arm turns bright red like yours, and stays that way for about 2 weeks. I have noticed that it doesn't happen all the time, only with certain brands of the PPD solution. You can get a note from your physician saying you are allergic, and then your employer will just do a chest x-ray every year instead of the PPD.

[gnats]

I have the same issues, however mine don't stay that long. Usually just a week or so.... good luck.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

With regard to the annual TB screening we are required to get to practice nursing--every year my arm turns very, very red, like an apple, and stays that way for about 10 days. Does anyone have this type of reaction, which I am assuming is an allergy to the solution? I am required to get the two step part done this year. I've already had the first injection and it looks pretty bad, but no raised bump, so not positive for TB. I am wondering if the second injection could cause a serious allergice reaction (i.e. throat closing, main fear!)

As others have said, you should be getting a CXR if you are allergic to PPD.

[kukukajoo, LPN]

I was told that once you have a positive result (even false positive) you are not to get the PPD again. I would get documentation and pass along as well as keep a copy handy in your records should you ever change jobs, etc.

They will do the Chest XRay and write a letter clearing you.

Time to take some benadryl.

[cell12345]

Thanks to all who replied. By the way, I am still in nursing school--that's why I have so many questions about this. I wonder what the long term implications are of having to be exposed to a chest x-ray every year vs just accepting the allergic reaction to the test. ???

[kukukajoo, LPN]

I think one x ray is good for a few years but I could be wrong....