Latent TB result.. help..

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi guys, I'm a nursing student who received a positive latent TB result which I contracted from a hospital placement :( :( I will be getting treated asap. I understand that healthcare workers get annual TB tests, & that even if I'm cured of LTB, my blood tests will always turn out a positive result. Does this mean I'll need annual chest xrays for the rest of my working life to prove good health to future employers? that would probably be really bad for my health, right? (although, of course I understand it's an absolute necessity to protect patients.) Anyone have any experiences like mine or have colleagues/ class mates with similar experiences? I feel very lost at the moment & in need of someone to talk to, thank you so much in advance

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Specializes in ER/Emergency Behavioral Health....

I just got diagnosed with this 2 months ago. I just made a post about the isoniazid that I started a month ago.

I have no idea and my doctor didn't explain if my results would always be positive or If the antibiotics would clear it up.

My school is satisfied with my clear chest x ray but the health bureau requires I take the meds for a year to prevent it becoming active TB on the figure should I become immunocompromised somehow.

So frustrated and scared.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

We are so very sorry for what you both are going thru. While we can offer support, we can't provide any medical advice. We do wish you both well.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I went to school with a classmate who has a history of positive PPDs (I never did inquire as to whether it was due to exposure, active infection, BCG, etc.). She had to provide chest x-rays for school and any job she worked at...and she has had no problem getting employed because of her past PPD history. So it's not a career killer.

As far as the treatment required for the positive PPD and about how often it's OK to get chest x-rays, I defer to your medical provider.

Best of luck to both of you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Oh hon - sorry you have to face this so early in the process.

In some parts of the US, TB is endemic. If you are in healthcare, you ARE going to be exposed. It will either be picked up in an infection-control exposure investigation or as part of your annual PPD. I 'converted' in my 3rd year of practice (critical care). My post-exposure had to be cut short due to nasty side effects. So, I do the annual CXR instead. This has never been an obstacle in gaining employment.

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I tested positive 20+ years ago. I took INH for 6 (maybe 9?) months. It's never been an issue with teaching or working in healthcare. I had to get a chest xray every few years when I taught. At the hospital I only had to have an initial xray upon hiring.

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Following, I was born in PR so I had the vaccine as a child and I always test positive. Am I going to require meds /annual chest x-rays. I'm still a pre nursing student so just wondering

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Following, I was born in PR so I had the vaccine as a child and I always test positive. Am I going to require meds /annual chest x-rays. I'm still a pre nursing student so just wondering

Generally if you have the vaccine you don't get the PPD test as you are highly likely to be positive with a worsening reaction each subsequent test. Check with your physician or local health department as the current protocol for those who received BCG vaccination. It used to be annual chest x-rays and only medicated if chest x-ray shows evidence of disease or known exposure. But times have changed. You can also check the cdc website.

Here are the CDC guidelines:

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.htm?mobile=nocontent

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