positive TB test........now what?

Matka · Jul 12, 2012

I always have a positive skin TB due to the BCG vaccine as a kid. No big deal. I get a chest xray that shows all is fine, and I'm good for another year. It has never hurt my being employed in a clinic or getting into nursing school. A negative chest xray should be enough for your school.

allnurses Guide · Jul 12, 2012

I am starting nursing school in a month a half. I had to get a physical and blood work done for entrance into the program. 9 years priors I had tested postive for TB for the first time, and my physician gave me a 9 month prescription to kill the bacteria, and I also had a chest x ray which came back normal. I didn't think anything of it until this week when again I tested positive for TB but my chest x ray is normal. Will this affect my chance of getting in the program, working with paitients in clinicals, or getting a job in the future?

You will just need a yearly film for clinical rotations.

2bmalenurse2012 · Jul 12, 2012

wow. :loveya:I really love this website. Thank you for all the quick responses. So basically, it shouldn't be a huge road block on the path to my dream of being a registered nurse. That really brings a sigh of relief because I was thinking the worst. All I have to do is have chest x rays done yearly. That sounds simple enough. Its nice to know that I am in good health, and I can continue on my journey. Is it true that it is bad to have repeat TB tests done if you all ready know that it will come back positive?

allnurses Guide · Jul 12, 2012

So a positive PPD just means you were exposed at some point, it doesn't mean you had/have active disease. There is a blood test that will indicate if you had/have Tb (though it sounds like you know you did). If the serum test is negative there is no concern. If positive, you had/have active disease and need x-ray to determine if the disease is currently active. As long as it is not, you can be in a care setting.

VictoriaMareah · Jul 12, 2012

At my school if you ever had TB you must get a chest x-ray that proves you currently do not have TB. No major problem :)

dsf43 · Jul 12, 2012

I test positive because I came into contact with it at some point in time and I start my nursing program next month. Never actually had tb though. No worry at all. You just get a chest xray done once a year and your good.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2012

I tested positive way back in 1991 and was given INH to take for 6 months. Being a teacher, I've had to get a TB test every 2-4 years, depending on the district, which means a CXR every time. Now that I'm starting nursing school, I'll have to get a CXR annually. No biggie. You'll be fine!

justinpark09, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2012

just have the chest xray done and show it to the school, then ur good ! good luck at school

Shinelove · Jul 19, 2012

Hello everyone.I had my second TB test 2 days ago and my skin turned red around the injection area, I didn't have an induration, but it was red and the Dr. Measured the redness and said it was positive. I immediately went to for a CXRay. I thought, hardness of skin or indurations were the indication of a +? I told him that I have sensitive skin and he said that doesn't matter. :/

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2012

welcome to an! the largest online nursing community!

it is the amount of induration not inflammation that has to be measured but if he read it as positive then just get a cxr and all will be well. we cannot offer medical advice as per the terms of service but many people actually do test positive and don't have tb. sensitive skin really doesn't have anything to do with the redness. follow up with the recommendations of your pcp. good luck!

skin%20test%20measurement.jpg

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2012

As everyone has said, a clear x-ray should get you by. :-) Good luck!