just got the 2step tb test..is this normal?

[jetaimeparis]

hi all, I just got into bsn nursing school and

it requires that for the immunization record, we have get a 2 step PPD screening (TB test) done.

now, for step 1, it was postive, so they told me to get the xray done (negative),

a week later, i got step 2 done, which was positive again.

I got another xray that day and it was negative..

now to me this just sounds unnecessary to get same procedure done twice...

but I've never gotten a 2 step screening so I might be mistaken.

is this how it should go?

or did i just pay for wrong thing?

TIA!

[sweetiepeas]

I have only had one skin TB test done. I didn't have time to get a 2 step so I got a blood test. Maybe you should try that.

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Once you had a postive test and got the X-ray that should have been it. I don't understand the need for the second test and second chest x-ray.

[mixedfruit]

If the x-ray was negative, I don't know why the second PPD was necessary..

[jetaimeparis]

i think the nurse was kind of lost when i asked what the 2nd step tb test was..

oh no..that means i paid double for nothing

but thank you guys!

[mixedfruit]

If the x-ray was negative, I don't know why the second PPD was necessary..

[mahgirb_0516]

since ur positive for ppd theres no need to do a second one. and one Xray is enough to confirm if there's an active TB. yeah,, ur nurse must have gotten confused. extra cost for nothing,, u also paid for your extra radiation exposure. goodluck on that

[mamamerlee, LPN]

After the first positive Tb test, you should not ever get another. You will need a yearly chest X-ray. Who placed the 2nd test? That person should have known better - please go back to that office and tell someone there that apparently more education needs to be done, and you want your money back for the 2nd test, and reimbursement for your totally unnecessary X-ray.

[jetaimeparis]

yes i will thank you so much for the reply! it just makes me so mad that she was really adamant about it - "it's called a 2 step testing for a reason" is what she said...

oh man, i really do hope i get my money back

[caliotter3]

Every time I have gone for a two step TB test, I have had to tell them that yes, this is what I had to do. When I did an internet search on the two step TB test, on more than one occasion, I had an extremely hard time finding anything about it. I think I found something the last time I searched, but of course I never printed a copy of the info. Most people just do not understand this. It gives me a headache and I don't like paying double when the people doing it don't even know the rationale behind the procedure.

[jetaimeparis]

so what is the correct way? from what i understand now, if the 1st skin test is neg, you move on to 2nd step and if it's postive, then go ahead with the xray?

i wish i had known this before

kinda irks me that nurse was so adamant about it

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

If you have a positive PPD, you should not receive another. The reaction can become more severe w/ each exposure. I read on the CDC website that the most severe reaction can even cause sloughing of skin. My PPD was positive 8 yrs ago (CXR- negative). I now do a yearly sputum test.