Reading TB results

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

I am an LPN in Ct, and have been for 6 years. I have read TB results in the past, working for medical offices and LTC. I now work in a non-medical homecare agency. We have some caregivers that need an updated TB test. I understand I cannot administer the test, because I am the only medical professional on staff, but am I able to read the results?

Farawyn

12,646 Posts

I guess it depends on your facility. In NY they don't like RNs reading it half the time. I had to take an online inservice to be a "reader" at my job, even though I had been reading them for years.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check your state board of nursing or department of public health. Some states LPN are qualified to administer & read Tb tests with an inservice. In fact I've never heard of an LPN not being "allowed" administer a intradermal TB test

Farawyn

12,646 Posts

Check your state board of nursing or department of public health. Some states LPN are qualified to administer & read Tb tests with an inservice. In fact I've never heard of an LPN not being "allowed" administer a intradermal TB test

The LPNs could place at my clinic, but they preferred the RNs to do it.

I love placing PPDs.

roser13, ASN, RN

6,504 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

In my state (IN) you can't place OR read TB tests without certification, regardless of your level of education.

Farawyn

12,646 Posts

In my state (IN) you can't place OR read TB tests without certification, regardless of your level of education.

I would say reading takes some knowledge. We still had to refer anything that wasn't 0mm to a Doc, NP or PA because we can't order a Tspot or any other blood work of a CXR, but I loved when I got the read correct- meaning, it was just swollen from sensitivity or prior BCG and not a "true" positive.

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