Physicals

[patientlywaitinagain]

I am a Pre-Nursing student, but I would appreciate it greatly if practicing nurses, such as yourselves, would give me some information.

17 years ago, I had a positive reaction to the TB test. I then took the INH for 6 months, even though I did not have the actual disease (from chest x-ray). I was informed that I should not be tested again because I will always have a positive reaction, and having it again can cause severe reactions.

I guess my questions are: Were you required by your school to get tested?

If so, at what point in time? Do you know anyone who got kicked out of school because of a positive reaction (with no active TB)?

For the working nurses, what physical tests are required prior and during employment?

I am stressing out because I plan on going to a career college, and am afraid that I will be putting my time, money and effort just to be told that I can't go on. Please help.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Lots of people test positive without active disease. It just means you've been exposed and have the antibody. Tell your school you test positive and they'll have you get a chest xray instead. The hospital where I work requires annual Tb testing,..those like you get an annual xray,..no big deal.

Best of luck to you.

[patientlywaitinagain]

Thanks so much RN-Cardiac. I now have peace of mind regarding this issue. I will surely ask them to give me a chest x-ray instead.

[Student Mom to Three]

I have also had a postive PPD, 9 months of Isoniazid, and a clear xray. My school requires a Quanti- Feron Gold TB test every year for those who have had a + PPD in the past. It requires a blood draw.

[PetiteOpRN]

I'm a freak of nature who's allergic to phenol (the preservative in the TB test). I was tested for TB repeatedly in my first year of life and developed an allergy.

As a student, I had to get a chest x-ray for nursing school. This is very expensive, especially when compared to the skin test. I believe that the quantiferon gold test is also quite pricey. When you are employed in a health care facility, your employer picks up the charge.

I would see if you employer would accept the chest x-ray and record of taking INH, just to save your pocketbook, before you book the x-ray.

[patientlywaitinagain]

I have also had a postive PPD, 9 months of Isoniazid, and a clear xray. My school requires a Quanti- Feron Gold TB test every year for those who have had a + PPD in the past. It requires a blood draw.

It's nice to hear from someone who's actually tested positive. Did your school require you a doctors note or medical records to prove that you took the Isoniazid? Taking the meds is required by INS (Immigration & Naturalization) before they grant permanent residence status to the US. I took this medication, but cannot remember who prescribed and gave me the clearance, since it's been 17 years ago.

I will google the Quanti-Feron Gold TB test you wrote above. I have no problems with needles.

Thanks so much Mom to Three.

[Student Mom to Three]

All I needed was the negative QFG-TB test- no documentation about the meds or anything. Like another poster, I have heard the test is a bit expensive. Luckily, I have fantastic insurance and all my labs and xrays are free.

Good luck!

[nursel56]

In my employment physical, they just did a standard assessment with no bloodwork or UA. The drug test part of the physical was separate.

In my job (home health) we have to get a PPD for TB every year. I'm sure they must have an alternative for those who test pos on the skin test so you don't have to have a chest x-ray every year. But your problem is not all that unusual. Best wishes to you!!

[GM2RN]

If it were me, I wouldn't want to be radiated every year. I'd refuse the chest xray but let them do the blood test.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

If it were me, I wouldn't want to be radiated every year. I'd refuse the chest xray but let them do the blood test.

The chest x-ray should be good for five years. When I went to school they wanted a TB test every year, or if you had a positive reaction a chest x-ray which you only had to do once as they said it was good for 5 years

[GM2RN]

The chest x-ray should be good for five years. When I went to school they wanted a TB test every year, or if you had a positive reaction a chest x-ray which you only had to do once as they said it was good for 5 years

If that's the case then I might consent to the xray, but if they will do the blood test in place of the xray, I would still choose that option; there's no sense in extra radiation if it's not necessary. Just my opinion.