how often do you need to get a PPD test?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2015

I am in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US. Most facilities in this area require tuberculin skin testing yearly.

About six years ago my tuberculin intradermal tests started yielding positive results (large areas of induration), so I no longer receive annual skin testing. I now receive a chest XRay every five years per the policy of my workplace.

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 4, 2015

We follow the current CDC guidelines which don't recommend routine TB skin testing for surveillance except for an initial screen on hire for it what terms "low-risk" settings, which is most settings.

Yes, that is how it was at the last place I worked (a Children's Hospital). At that facility, only the ED and paramedics had to do the annual testing. Now I work in community health, and see my fair share of LTBI, so we get it annually.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2015

Depends on the facility. The facility I worked at before my current job, we were tested at employment and then only after that if we were exposed (so, about every 6mos or so. Just kidding!)

where I am at now, it's every year in our birth month.

bell1962 · Feb 4, 2015

Never at my school job. Only after possible exposure at the doctor's office I used to work at.

anie10 · Feb 4, 2015

Annually, for those who actually test (a 2 step). For me, I get the chest xray, and I believe that I submit mine every two years.

OneDuckyRN · Feb 5, 2015

My employer has historically required a two-step test at the time of hire, then annually on your anniversary date. This year, however, they are changing the testing from PPD to Quantiferon Gold. I was kind of surprised that they'd go this route because I was under the impression that the Quant Gold testing is expensive.

Two years ago, I had an allergic reaction (not a positive PPD) to the PPD serum, and started doing yearly questionnaires about possible exposures. Now I'll have a blood draw along with everyone else.

Is anyone else having to do this now?

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

I am in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US. Most facilities in this area require tuberculin skin testing yearly.
About six years ago my tuberculin intradermal tests started yielding positive results (large areas of induration), so I no longer receive annual skin testing. I now receive a chest XRay every five years per the policy of my workplace.

Commuter, your employer's policy is way out of line with CDC recs. If you have a positive skin test and a negative CXR, your either need to be treated with 9 months of INH or 12 wks of INH/RPT. CDC does not recommend repeat CXRs for treated latent or active TB patients unless the patient is immunocompromised. An annual symptom screening is all that is necessary for HCPs with a history who have been treated. Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

My employer has historically required a two-step test at the time of hire, then annually on your anniversary date. This year, however, they are changing the testing from PPD to Quantiferon Gold. I was kind of surprised that they'd go this route because I was under the impression that the Quant Gold testing is expensive.
Two years ago, I had an allergic reaction (not a positive PPD) to the PPD serum, and started doing yearly questionnaires about possible exposures. Now I'll have a blood draw along with everyone else.
Is anyone else having to do this now?

We do a Quantiferon for our patients (OB clinic - see a lot of immigrants) simply because the rate of return for reading was dismally poor. We still do a PPD for staff/employees, as well as patients who need one for job or school. The benefit to the Quantiferon is that it will not show positive if the patient has had the BCG, while the PPD will show positive.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

My area was moved into the "low incidence" level, so no more annuals for me! Good thing as I think mine was missed last year anyway.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 5, 2015

I live in a low risk area so a two step upon hire, then annual screening to determine level of risk. If no risk, not repeated.

PallNurse · Jan 24, 2017

I am allergic to PPD and for 15 years had yearly chest xrays. An employer suggested that I go to the TB Clinic to have all checked out. The Dr dogs a thorough history on me, told me to refuse future xrays and did a QFG. It was such a relief to know that I had definitive proof, so for the past 10 years I've done a yearly screening questionnaire. Two years ago I moved to a new state and a very prominent world renowned hospital is now telling me that I have to undergo yearly QFG tests. My physician states that is not necessary and did order one today even though my last was 2 years ago. I don't know what to think!