2nd ppd skin test safe?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

would it be safe to have a second ppd skin test done, if the first was already negative? :icon_roll

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Are you asking because you had one and now need another for a new job? A lot of employer require a 2 step TB test upon hiring and then once a year there after. Not a big deal.

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Sorry! What I meant to say was ...is it safe to take another ppd skin test if the first one was POSITIVE? I've had one done about 6 years ago and my skin was very irritated. I've had chest xrays and I'm okay. BUT, I'm applying for another job and they require the measurements of the rash that I had got on my arm. (I am not able to obtain this information from my previous medical group). So, now they want me to have it done again and I'm nervous on what reaction my skin might have this time.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

yes. This is not a vaccine. Check out the CDC recommendation.

www.cdc.gov

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yes. this is not a vaccine. check out the cdc recommendation.

www.cdc.gov

thank you so much!!! your help is really appreciated. sometimes theres information out there that some of us are looking for and a little help from people like you is greatly appreciated! thanks again. :wink2:

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Specializes in PICU.

Hmm, what I found from MedlinePlus is that if you've had a positive PPD, you shouldn't have another one. I know my mom (a long time nurse) had a + PPD years ago and has never had another one. If need be, they get a CXR. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003839.htm

I'd look into this further before having another one.

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Specializes in PICU.

Reading more on the CDC website, if you've had a previous serious reaction, you shouldn't have it again.

"In general, there is no risk associated with repeated tuberculin skin test placements. If a person does not return within 48-72 hours for a tuberculin skin test reading, a second test can be placed as soon as possible. There is no contraindication to repeating the TST, unless a previous TST was associated with a severe reaction." http://www.cdc.gov/tb/pubs/tbfactsheets/skintesting.htm

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NO, NO, NO

never have a repeat the reaction of the first one might not have been to the tb..even if it was you can go into a anaphylactic shock

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