Latent TB

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Ok.. so once you test positive, you are always positive, even after treatment. What is the best way to protect yourself from exposure again as you will have no way of knowing?? I am a little concerned of working in a hospital again because if I come in contact with someone who has TB, there will be no way for me to check...... as I will always test positive. :( Thanks.

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I believe through Chest xrays, quantiferon blood tests and or sputum samples

Oh and I'm pretty sure there's also a vaccination... I hope you do realise that testing positive for TB in a Mantoux skin test, does not necessarily mean you have had TB. It just means you have TB antibodies, possibly present if you have already had the vaccine.

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Most of the time, if you work in the healthcare industry, if you don't get your TB test during employment because you have been treated, then the facility usually has a policy for CXRs. Usually at least one every two years.

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testing positive, does not mean it's active.

unless "tubercles" show up on an xray, or any symptomology, you're good to go til it's time to retest.

leslie

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I hope you are feeling better........please follow up and ask your doctor. Have you had your baby?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

OP, you have received excellent feedback here, and as noted previously, it is beyond our scope of practice to diagnose or offer MEDICAL advice. Please see your primary care provider or a qualified NP or PA for further evaluation.

Thread closed as there really is nothing more we can add.

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