PPD

[neuroRN14]

Got a new job, had to get a PPD test. I've never had a positive test before. I am going to see a friend (nurse) this evening who is going to read it.

Here's the thing, the area I got the test is red, but not really raised as much as it is bumpy. This one itched constantly unlike the ones I had before. I know a positive test requires induration vs redness but this one is concerning. Its red and a bit raised (but no true induration), is it possible the person placing it did a bad job? It burned being placed, and I've never experienced that before.

Here are some pictures.

PPD - Album on Imgur

[vanilla bean]

This link: PPD Skin Test (Tuberculosis Test) gives a clear explanation of results for both positive and negative tests. I once had an infectious disease doc explain to me the importance of waiting until the 48 hour mark to read a PPD because individuals can experience different site reactions that have nothing to do with infection or exposure to TB (you didn't indicate how much time had passed between PPD placement and when the photo was taken, so just wanted to mention it).

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to give medical advice, but I hope you know that your site must be read by PPD-certified personnel. The "nurse friend" will not be enough unless he/she is certified.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

My job is extremely strict about who can read PPD's. I can't even have my personal physician read it. Have you verified that having a friend read it will even be acceptable? I suspect it wouldn't be for most jobs.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Only employee health can read ours.

[neuroRN14]

Interestingly enough I asked specifically who could read it, they said as long as they are a licensed nurse, MD/DO it would be ok. We read each others at work all the time.

[neuroRN14]

Thanks for that info. I'm going to get it read shortly so hopefully i was just touching it/scratching it to much.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to give medical advice, but I hope you know that your site must be read by PPD-certified personnel. The "nurse friend" will not be enough unless he/she is certified.

Your employer may specify that only certain employees can read PPDs on other employees; however all licensed nurses are qualified to read PPDs. When I worked in the hospital, for "quality control purposes" only a select few nurses on each floor were allowed to read PPDs on employees. If none of them were working, you had to go across the street to Occ Health, where your PPD would be read.... by the secretary.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

You've been given some good suggestions. Per TOS, we cannot give you the advice you require, however. Please seek clarification, again, of who can/cannot read your site and provide the results.