what happens if your PPD is positive

[ergito2]

Hi, Everyone:

This is my third PPD in the past five years, and it became Positive all of sudden. The NP said that I definitely had a reaction, and the induration is close to 10mm, and she was sure it's a positive. She recommend me to go to a infectious disease clinic and let the experts to confirm whether it's a positive or negative. The thing is I am 6 weeks pregnant and can't have X ray at the moment. I am so puzzled. By the way, I need the TB for my new job. It makes harder especially for my situation: new job, new positive PPD and being pregnant at the same time. I haven't even started my orientation at the job yet. Give me some suggestions, please. I desperately need it. Thanks in advance.

Am I able to work before the Chest X ray takes place? I probably should inform my employer, right?

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

You need your doctor to exam you to determine whether or not you have active TB. Being pregnant complicates the situation since your ob needs to be involved if you need treatment. Chances are you do not have TB, but you need to have this resolved. From now on you need to tell your health care provider about your positive test.

[gizelda196]

Hi, Everyone:

This is my third PPD in the past five years, and it became Positive all of sudden. The NP said that I definitely had a reaction, and the induration is close to 10mm, and she was sure it's a positive. She recommend me to go to a infectious disease clinic and let the experts to confirm whether it's a positive or negative. The thing is I am 6 weeks pregnant and can't have X ray at the moment. I am so puzzled. By the way, I need the TB for my new job. It makes harder especially for my situation: new job, new positive PPD and being pregnant at the same time. I haven't even started my orientation at the job yet. Give me some suggestions, please. I desperately need it. Thanks in advance.

Am I able to work before the Chest X ray takes place? I probably should inform my employer, right?

Well you need the cxray to confirm no active disease. But you will have to wait on that. So this might affect your hiring. They are pretty firm on this ppd thing now ever since that med student thing.

I remember when I became positive .I had had my ppd planted and within hours it was red and itchy and just got bigger and bigger. I had my cxray which was negative and did 6 months on INH. Being ppd+ doesnt mean you have active disease . They can do other screenings like night sweats and gi upset and the biggies like sudden wt loss or productive cough. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.