Positive tb test!

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Happy birthday- you have a positive tb test! Went to get chest x-ray and am waiting for results. The afternoon that I had the test, I started coughing and having to clear my throat quite a bit. I do have asthma but usually that passes. I don't feel sick just this clearing of throat. What happens if my X-ray shows illness? Am I not able to start school? Thoughts???

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If the x-ray shows TB in the lungs, then you will have bigger problems than just not being able to start school.

I wouldn't worry just yet, though. I had a positive test result two years ago and my chest x-ray was clear. I had the chest x-ray just last month and was clear (after one positive TB test, you can pass go and get the chest x-ray!)

My sister-in-law (who is a nurse in the US, but from the Philippines) will always test positive for the TB test due to a vaccination she received when she was a baby.

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Don't get worried before you get your x-ray results. A doc told me once that the tb test has a higher chance of turning out to be a false positive the older you are. Another explanation could be that you may be having a mild allergic reaction to the injection (I know people who have had that). I'm not sure what the repercussions are if the x-ray does show illness but I hope that it's just a false alarm! Hang in there, MammaNurse2Be

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I always have a positive TB result and just have them give me a chest x-ray which is always clear. I'm sure you will have a clear chest result as well... it should only take a week to get your results.

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Specializes in LTC.

Just wait for the chest x-ray. Sputum test is most accurate though. Hopefully it will just mean you were exposed.

I know its scary.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree that discussing your care with your doc is the best answer.

Take care.

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