TB skin test & titers

[emgne]

I am about to start nursing school and need to complete the 2 step PPD skin test for TB, as well as get titers for varicella and hep b. I am kind of on a time crunch and wanted to know if I could get all three started at the same time. I would like to go in for one appointment and finish the first step of the first TB test (I know I will have to go back 48-72 hours later) as well as get the titers taken. Is this something you can do? I called my local health department and the lady I talked to said I should get the titers done first before I come back to do the TB tests, just in case I am not immune to varicella, because if I have to get the varicella vaccine then I will have to wait 28 days before doing the TB skin test. But I feel like I should at least be able to the blood draws and first step of the TB test in one appointment, because neither one should really affect the other (despite whether I am immune or not). But maybe I am wrong. Just wanted to see what other people have done, or think would be appropriate.

Thank you!!

[verene, MSN]

I had my TB screen and titers done separately, but that was more by happenstance. I needed one of them done for something, and then many months later needed the other done.

I don't think there is anything medically that would prevent them from being done at the same time. It may make sense though to get the TB screen done before the titers if it turns out you are negative for varicella and need to wait for testing after the vaccine like the person at the county health department said. Maybe you can inquire about getting the titers at the second TB test? That way if you are negative and need to come back it would be fine to get the vaccinations?

[jess.mont, ADN, RN]

Go in and get the TB test and the blood draw. By the time your titres come back, you'll be able to get your second TB test (must be 7 days after the first). Then you'll know which vaccines you'll need (if any), and you can get the varicella that same day.

If you know you've never gotten the Hep B shots, you can get that on the first day, too, or wait a week and get it with the second TB test. If you can get it started, it's good because you shady have to stretch the series out over 5 months.

I just went through all this myself, and I was concerned about scheduling everything appropriately, too.

Here's some info. from the CDC:

Immunization: You Call the Shots

[BrendanO, MSN, RN]

You only need PPD and two titers? Yes, get them done at the same time! If they draw the tubes before they stick you for PPD, you are correct, they will have no effect on each other. You'll go back to get the PPD read before you even get the titer results, most likely. My titers took 4 business days to come back, PPD gets read after 48 hours.

I think the health department woman was confused about what you were having done.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Just a caution as per the Terms of Service we cannot offer medical advice.