QuantiFERON instead of TB test

[NamasteLVN, LPN, LVN]

Has anyone declined the tb test for employment in place of a quantiferon test? Do you need a physician to order it for you or does the employer order it? This is my first time declining a tb test in place of quantiferon.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I received BCG vaccine in nursing school and had an adverse local reaction.  My arm took months to heal.  I haven't risked a PPD since and always submitted to chest x-rays.

Until my last job when quantiferon was available.  I guess it would depend why you wouldn't want a PPD.  Are you concerned about a false positive?  It's certainly worth asking your employer.

[chare]

If your employer offers both, and you decline the PPD, they should order the lab draw.  If they only offer the PPD, and you decline, you are most likely going to have to schedule and pay it yourself.  Some of the commercial lab draw centers will allow you to order tests without a physician order.

Best wishes.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I've had a positive reaction to the skin test in the past and was even treated with isoniazid for a year while in college because of a suspected exposure. Whenever I explain that, I've always been able to substitute the quantiferon for the skin test. It has been my cost to cover, though.