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

Nurses General Nursing

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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!

Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

This 2 step TB test must be a new thing. I just went in for my pre-employment screen and only had to do 1 step because my last tb skin test was done within the past year. I was negative, so I would have had to come back next week if I hadn't had the one 7 months ago.

In your case, I do agree with the other posters that since you were positive, you should not have received that second test.

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Specializes in PACU.
This 2 step TB test must be a new thing. I just went in for my pre-employment screen and only had to do 1 step because my last tb skin test was done within the past year. I was negative, so I would have had to come back next week if I hadn't had the one 7 months ago.

In your case, I do agree with the other posters that since you were positive, you should not have received that second test.

The two-step test is done for someone who has not had one done in the last year. A one-step test is adequate annually. The point of the two-step test is that if you have antibodies for TB that more will be made by the time of the 2nd test and produce a positive result.

I can't believe that a second PPD was done after the first one was positive as described in the OP. If someone knew that little I'd be concerned that it wasn't even read properly (e.g. the person reading it thought that an area of discoloration meant it was + even though the area of induration is what is measured).

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Specializes in Psych, M/S, Ortho, Float..

http://www.toronto.ca/health/pdf/dn_feb2006_tb_skin_test.pdf

If the reaction on the first skin test is positive, a

second skin test should not be administered.

More on the site.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.
http://www.toronto.ca/health/pdf/dn_feb2006_tb_skin_test.pdf

If the reaction on the first skin test is positive, a

second skin test should not be administered.

More on the site.

That was extremely informative. Thank you! :up:

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Prior to starting clinicals, my school requires the 2-step test as well as other vaccines.

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