Positive Quantiferon gold

[dalsor]

Hey all! I recently had a positive quantiferon gold x2. I had it drawn when starting my per diem nursing gig about 2 weeks ago, and then a positive redraw from my PCP. Negative chest xray, asymptomatic. Frustrating thing is that I had a negative Quantiferon gold in January when I started my new full time job.

I have a follow up appt with my PCP this Friday to discuss treatment options and am pretty sure I'm going to go with the 9-month INH therapy. My questions are, has anyone here ever been through this and can give me insight into the process? Also, should I tell my current manager? Since I had a pretty much 6 month period between the negative and positive test.

I can only assume I interacted with a patient on my unit that caused this. I haven't travelled overseas recently, and prior to my January quant gold positive test I wasn't bedside for about 8 months. Right now I'm just nervous about taking the 9 month course of INH and what it might do to my liver. Also nervous about the chance of developing active TB later in my life. Thanks!

[PallNurse]

Dalsor, having a positive test can be nerve racking! Talk with your PCP first. If the quantiferon gold was positive from a possible exposure at work, your employee health should be handling everything for you, it's their responsibility. Please know that you have legal rights and cannot lose your job due to a positive test. Also whIle INH is a scary idea, there are MANY drugs out there with potentials for liver issues. Again, talk honestly with your doc and make the choice that's best for you, not your employer. Take care and I wish you the best!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I converted at some point in my second year of nursing practice (adult critical care). I live in an area where TB is (still) endemic. It was a long time ago, but I clearly remember the UGH of dealing with the prophylaxis regimen - paid for by my employer. I had to stop the meds after 6 months due to developing 'hepatitis'. But I worked managed to keep on working throughout the entire mess. Since then, I just let employers know that I am reactive & do the CXR instead of PPD. No other problems. Hopefully, your situation will turn out to be just as uneventful.

At some point, your employer will know - due to annual PPD requirements. Since you had a previous negative test, there is a definite time period for determining your exposure. This info should definitely be shared with your occ health nurse. TB is a Public Health (manadatory) reportable disease. They should have a record of any infected patients you cared for during that period.

It'll be OK.