Can someone please help with TB test reading?

GOMER42 · May 27, 2009

I've never had a TB test read a week out. It has always been 48-72 hours and then you go back in a week to get the second part.

Is it possible you misunderstood?

youknowho · May 27, 2009

A 2 step TB test is very common for employment. You get one skin test administered and read 48-72 later and then have another test a week after that. This is done to in case your body doesn't react the first time, it should with the second test. Sorry about the timing but be thankful you have a job.

2BSure · May 27, 2009

i just graduated from nursing school and i'm starting a new job the middle of next month. i've started getting all the testing and blood work done. i've had the tb test done before but at this particular hospital they told me i have to come back in a week to have it read instead of 48 hrs. they said they do a 2 part tb test. this is really frustrating because i'd been planning on going out of town for a mini vacation before starting my new job. i had no idea i would have to come back in a week - that's when i was planning on being gone. is anyone familiar with this type of tb testing? when i come back to have it read in a week what's next? am i done then? i want to reschedule my trip but i can't if i keep having to come to the hospital. help please?

surely, as someone who has been in nursing school, you have a documented history of annual tb tests? then you only need to do the annual. are you certain that is what they said? in any event the reading is 48-72 hrs after exposure (as others have said).

PaperxXxFlowers · May 27, 2009

i am 100% positive that's what they said. they told me not to forget to come back next tuesday to have it read. i knew it sounded strange that's why i asked the nurse if she was sure it wasn't in 48 hrs and she told me they did a 2 step testing. the physical i had for my job was a lot more in depth than ones i've had previously so maybe that's why. i haven't had a tb test done since around last july. and of course i'm thankful i have a job, i'm just a little bummed. maybe i should call tomorrow and see if i can get some more information.

zenman · May 27, 2009

A 2 step TB test is very common for employment. You get one skin test administered and read 48-72 later and then have another test a week after that. This is done to in case your body doesn't react the first time, it should with the second test. Sorry about the timing but be thankful you have a job.

Yes, I've had these also. A royal pain.....

Reno1978, BSN, RN · May 27, 2009

A 2 step TB test is very common for employment. You get one skin test administered and read 48-72 later and then have another test a week after that. This is done to in case your body doesn't react the first time, it should with the second test. Sorry about the timing but be thankful you have a job.

This is my understanding of 2-step TB testing as well. It seems the OP is under the impression the first skin test is read 1 week later, which is confusing.

3rdcareerRN · May 27, 2009

Just FYI:

a discussion of 2-step protocol:

http://www.toronto.ca/health/tb_prevention/tbquickskintest.htm

Vast training/info on TB and related testing:

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/pubs/default.htm

mrsraisinkain · May 27, 2009

I would definitely call and get more information because my understanding of a 2-step TB test is the same as what the others posted.

When you call though make sure they're aware you had a TB test within the last year. You might not have to do the 2-step.

rtrescuit · May 27, 2009

This is very common, I just had to have this done for a PRN position I was going to take.

PaperxXxFlowers · May 27, 2009

okay i called and it makes a little more sense. they told me they have a 7 day and a 2 day test. i come back in a week, have it read, and then get another injection that is read 48-72hrs later.