Do RN's need special training to read PPD tests?

[SarahM2011]

I went today to get my PPD read at the hospice that I volunteer for. Even though there were many RN's in the building, no one was available to read it because the RN that is "the only one specially trained to do it" called off work today. I have worked in Home/Hospice care as an administrator, and have NEVER heard that an RN needed special training to read a PPD. I am assuming they are JCAHO certified, possibly CHAP. I asked if it was an internal policy, but they said they didn't know, that's just what they have been told. Any know if they are correct on this? I won't be able to change their mind, but I would like to try to find out for my own knowledge.

Thanks!

[jkaee]

I work in Employee Health, and I never recieved special training to read PPD's. I have my guide that I use, and have researched on my own, but never went through any "formal" training.

I'd be interested to know if that's something that's required thru JCAHO.

[Fiona59]

Up here we call it a Mantoux. But no, any nurse that can immunize can read the test.

It sounds like they have a "designated" immunization nurse.

Since they have to be "read" within 48-72 hours, it should have been read either by an RN or LPN or it should never been administered in the first place if they weren't going to be around to read it.

[brownbook]

I have run into the same issue. I'm guessing you might never find any "official" answer. Every hospital I have worked in has gone from only the charge nurse or nursing supervisor can give and read PPD's to only the ER nurses can do it, to assigning one specific nurse, etc. Just all over the place!

[cebuana_nurse]

That is odd as I've never knew that an RN needs a "special training" in reading PPD's. I have read some of my co-workers PPD's especially if the RN supervisor is not around. At my facility, as long as you are an RN, you may read PPD's because that is with in the scope of our nursing practice. I'm an RN functioning as an LPN at an extended care facility.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Reading a fellow student's test was the first official duty I did as an RN! :)

[GM2RN]

I don't know if it's required by JHACO, but it's policy at both hospitals I work at to have RNs trained to read the Mantoux before being allowed to do it. It's a very simple training, but it's done to make sure the reader does it correctly.

[tookalongtime]

At the hospital I work at, you must take a class and that will certify you to give and read mantoux tests. You must also take a certification renewal class once a year. That is the policy at our hospital.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

For staff, only trained nurses can administer and give at my facility (as others have said, not sure what this entails). However, for patients, we have a very strange policy that only doctors can administer and read PPD's. I have no idea why, since it is within a nurse's scope...

[bunsterj]

I used to give and read them all of the time. Many years ago, My doctor's office used to give you the test, then send you home with an embossed post card to return after you read your own test...the embossing represented different types of reaction, you circled the image that corresponded with "My test site looks like this."

[Erikadawn RN]

I am an Lpn and I read them every day, we do have an infection control nurse,who also reads them. She basically compiles the stats for Dept. Of Health, but any nurse can read them. The Dept of Health also supplies brochures and measuring devices fot the nurses.

[mamamerlee, LPN]

Here in Indiana, there is a certification program for giving/reading the test. I think it's a good idea so the tests are read appropriately.