TB test

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HELLO,

I had my TB test last Wed (12/17/08),and I didn't know that I have to return within 48 hours to have it read.

I went today to talk to my doctor and she said that it's too late and I need to wait a month befor having a second TB tes cos it's risky to have another one before a month. I can't wait a month I need to submit all my physical examination form befor january 12th. Please I need help.

thank you for your time

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what? pretty sure that's not true. many places require 2-step ppds and for those you have to get another PPD a week after you got the first one.

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

The only thing that i can think is to get a chest xray, it is done and ready on the same day, and they can test for TB that way!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I would go to either the school health service (which will be cheaper) or an urgent care center (which will cost you a few pennies if you don't have insurance) and tell them your dilemma (that you need proof that you are TB free by January 12th for school. They can either administer another TB skin test which you must return to have read by them 48 hours later or they can order or do a CXR.

If you paid for that TB skin test on 12/17/08, I would sue the provider in small claims court for the cost of the test since they did not provide you with appropriate instructions for the follow up so it could be read and completed. That was a failure on their part. You might also be able to collect the cost to cover the doctor visit and TB test or CXR needed to replace it and possibly pain and suffering. Worth a try.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Triage, Cardiac ICU.

Mantoux (TB) tests can be read between 48 and 72 hours after. I am not sure that I have ever had one that was read any earlier than 72 hours.

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Specializes in Emergency.

That is absolutely not true. It is not too risky to have another one done. Preemployment screens for my hospital (and all hospitals in this area) require 2 PPDs back to back to rule out any false negative results. If a result on an existing employee is unclear another PPD will be administered and read within days. Maybe you could go to another provider so that it will be done by the time you need it. The chest XRay idea isn't bad either, but probably much more expensive than another PPD. Good luck.

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Just go to the health department if there is one.. most places if not all.. test for free. I had to have my test performed back to back... no one mentioned any risks for me.

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Mantoux (TB) tests can be read between 48 and 72 hours after. I am not sure that I have ever had one that was read any earlier than 72 hours.

Right. I was told to come back 72 hours later.

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Specializes in Orthopedic, Corrections.

I have had two back to back also, so I don't think you have to wait a month.

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You dont have to wait a month. I just got 2 tests done back to back and all they said was to wait two weeks in between they never said anything about it being dangerous. I just provided my school with proof that I got the first test and was getting another and sufficed since I was getting the second one after the date that my papers where due in

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

at my school they require back to back! but i had the BCG so i got a CXR

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Before I started first semester we had to get 2 TB tests, administered one week apart. Go someplace else and get another one. My school provides them for a small fee.

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