I don't trust the nurse who read my tb test...

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Someone please tell me I'm imagining here... I have NOT started nursing school yet, so I promise I don't think I know what I'm talking about, but the nurse who read my tb test for a new job at clarian worries me. I had a TB test a couple of years ago and it was fine with no redness, swelling, etc. This one I got on Tuesday was fine at first, but last night swelled up. It's not blistering, sore, or gross looking, but it did swell. The swelling is still apparent, but really slight. She said that a positive TB test will look like a sore and crusty. Everything I can find online says that swelling is a sign of a positive test. Am I misreading? Anyone have anything similar? I have to get another one August 19th and I'm worried now that I shouldn't be getting it. Does anyone have the knowledge to put my fears at ease?

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Not easy to comment on what the nurse saw. There's a difference between redness (not an indicator of a positive test) and induration (hardness - what they're looking for). If it worries you, call your doctor.

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Someone please tell me I'm imagining here... I have NOT started nursing school yet, so I promise I don't think I know what I'm talking about, but the nurse who read my tb test for a new job at clarian worries me. I had a TB test a couple of years ago and it was fine with no redness, swelling, etc. This one I got on Tuesday was fine at first, but last night swelled up. It's not blistering, sore, or gross looking, but it did swell. The swelling is still apparent, but really slight. She said that a positive TB test will look like a sore and crusty. Everything I can find online says that swelling is a sign of a positive test. Am I misreading? Anyone have anything similar? I have to get another one August 19th and I'm worried now that I shouldn't be getting it. Does anyone have the knowledge to put my fears at ease?

I understand your worry! I had a TB test and the same thing happened, but the redness and swelling did go away. It didn't happen on the first step, but the second. My TB test was also negative. Somehow I think if it was positive, you would really know it. So, I wouldn't worry about it, but if you are concerned, I would call your doc.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

The induration has to be 10mm or more in size, redness is not an indication of a positive test. Like the other poster said if you are still concerned contact your physician. Good luck!

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Thanks everyone. I wasn't worried about the redness, but it was the swelling. Is this a dumb question (probably), but is swelling different than induration? Can anyone explain the difference? It was swollen bigger than 10 mm, but I guess I just don't know the difference!

I don't have a family Dr. or insurance (thank goodness for my new job!) so I'm kind of stuck. I'm sure I'm fine, I guess I just needed strangers to tell me that! :) Thanks

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