Forgot to have TB test read!

CCU NRS · Mar 7, 2004

Oh boy am I feeling like such a igit. The institution requires two TB tests for employement. I had one done in February and remembered to have that one read. The problem is that in March during orientation I forgot to come back to the nursing office and have the second one read, DUH! My questions is...will my nursing school TB test work? The last one I had was May 15, 2003. So technically I've had two within a years time. I'll be asking my institution tomorrow, but I was wondering if this has happened to anybody else and how they worked it out. Geez, I can't believe it. My first job in twelve years, and I could get fired tomorrow before I even make it to the floor! Again I say DUH.

Are you nurse? Did it get red or raised or have any induration? then you read it, explain to the employee health nurse what you saw and that is was negative.

hock1 · Mar 7, 2004

Are you nurse? Did it get red or raised or have any induration? then you read it, explain to the employee health nurse what you saw and that is was negative.

I received my RN Feb 2004. Can I legally read the results myself? If so then it was negative, and I'm fine. However the guidelines stated to have another RN read the results. I'll still give a try though, thanks.

CCU NRS · Mar 7, 2004

I received my RN Feb 2004. Can I legally read the results myself? If so then it was negative, and I'm fine. However the guidelines stated to have another RN read the results. I'll still give a try though, thanks.

Did you work that day and did you discuss your TB test with anyone and say something like I need to go get it read and they just looked at your arm and said your negative? What I am saying is if was negative and you knwo it was negative then don't sweat it tell the nurse it was neagtive, iif you had a postitive TB you be the first to scream CHEST X-RAY STAT!!! See what I mean and you will be getting them annually so you will be due again this time remember to get it read.

hock1 · Mar 8, 2004

I worked only Monday and Tuesday. My orientation was not on the floor with the nurses, only corporate (including new housekeepers, secretaries, transport, CNA's, and one other new RN). Monday the second TB test was given with paperwork to return Weds or Thursday to have it read, and I didn't cuz I forgot. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I report for the nursing orientation. Still feel like an igit.

rn-jane · Mar 8, 2004

talk to the employee infection control nurse, i'm sure they will be understanding. I'm surprised they are not looking for you for the results.our infection control nurse is a stickler for that sort of stuff.

BRANDY LPN · Mar 8, 2004

I forgot to have mine read last year, they just made me take it again, no big deal.

Man I wish I would develope an allergy to it though, I am such a big baby, I dont want to actually have TB but just a positive test so I wouldnt have to take anymore. LOL (just joking of course)

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2004

I forget to get mine read once a year. at least

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Mar 8, 2004

What's the deal, ya'all?

I couldn't believe having to get TWO TB tests. I don't mind, except that it's an exposure to a pathogen (disarmed, but a pathogen nonetheless) I don't need.

According to the CDC, only people who live and work in circumstances where they are exposed or at significant risk of exposure should be tested more than once. People who come from third world countries where the disease is rampant, migrant workers, homeless people, etc. CDC doesn't say anything about your average run-of-the-mill healthcare worker....

I saw that repeated exposure to the TB test serum can make you susceptible to mycobacteria in general, although I cannot find the link now. If someone else can find it, maybe it can be posted?

The WHO recommends testing twice for the initial test, then only annually thereafter.

So why is it that hospitals are testing employees twice every year?

A little gallows humor: when I went for my pre-employment TB test, I thought it was odd that the nurse didn't make a little circle around where she had injected me. Same nurse refused to accept the report of my (PhD) nursing instructor because she had indicated that the result was negative and (are you ready? this is so freakin' classic) she had failed to indicate the size of the reaction in mm..... Hmmmmm. Instructor put "0 mm." on the form and then it was accepted.

OOOOOKAAAAAAAAY!

Agnus · Mar 8, 2004

If you had another one within 12 months that should be enough.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2004

I dont mind anything that is free

nurseygrrl, LPN · Mar 9, 2004

I dont mind anything that is free

You crack me up! :rotfl: