Published
HELLO
I have been crying all day. I have never tested positive for PPD until now! Nurse told me its a +4 I'm.so.afraid!!!! I don't have any symptoms but will need to have a xray and my doctor wants me to.start medication. Has this happened to anyone please help tears
It isn't medical advice to tell you what I would be asking my HCP about, and that if I were to test positive on a skin test I'd be asking my HCP about a blood test that determines whether latent TB is present or absent. A cxr will show only whether there is damage present, indicating past or current active infection. It will not tell you if you have LTBI, that is done with a blood test. Might be a good idea to find out if you have an infection in the first place before being treated for an infection. At least that is what I would do, personally.
Guiding someone in best questions to ask their employee health or personal physician is a nursing skill not medical advice.
the CDC website has many resources for those who have a positive skin reaction. Now you never need a PPD again you either get chest X-rays or the Quanteferon Gold blood test. You should also be referred to your county or state public health office as they have a variety of resources and supports.
CDC | TB | Testing & Diagnosis | Testing Health Care Workers
Extra Pickles
1,403 Posts
It isn't medical advice to tell you what I would be asking my HCP about, and that if I were to test positive on a skin test I'd be asking my HCP about a blood test that determines whether latent TB is present or absent. A cxr will show only whether there is damage present, indicating past or current active infection. It will not tell you if you have LTBI, that is done with a blood test. Might be a good idea to find out if you have an infection in the first place before being treated for an infection. At least that is what I would do, personally.