Tuberculin Skin Test

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I just received mt TB skin test yesterday, and am due to have it checked out tomorrow. When I left, I got a call from the clinic I went to saying that I needed a card to show documentation. I can't really go back, when I get off work it will be closed and they are closed on Saturday. It doesn't make sense why they would call me after I left; I was sitting in the parking lot for about 15 minutes before I actually left. Does anyone know whether discharge papers showing that I received the test WITH my MRN and date and time received on the paper would be sufficient documentation for a hospital? I didn't have to pay for the test and I won't have to if they need it to be redone but it will feel like a waste of time if they won't accept it.

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

Why if closed on Saturday would they administer a TST? A Thursday test needs to be read on Saturday or Sunday for the results to be valid.

In rereading your post, it's unlikely that the discharge paper has the full information needed (date & time administers, brand/lot/expiration date and name or signature of the person administering the test). Do they have a drop location where they can leave the card in a sealed envelope for you to pick up later? Can a friend or family member pick it up for you?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Also, the nurse who did it put a bandaid on it and when I got back I was reading that you aren't supposed to put a bandaid on it. Will this effect anything?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

They said that I could go to the hospital or an urgent care to get it read.

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

Bandaid a nonissue. You will need the documentation for someone else to read however did you confirm that urgent care will read a test administered by someone else? Often not, especially if you don't have the card they are asking you to go back and pick up. Are you a hospital employee? Most hospitals only permit occupational/employee health to administer and read Tb skin tests

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I need it done to be a hospital volunteer and I planned on getting it read at the hospital where I will be volunteering. I tried to call them last night but the department was closed. I'll call later today, was just anxious because I hate needles and really don't want to get it redone.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I need it done to be a hospital volunteer and I planned on getting it read at the hospital where I will be volunteering. I tried to call them last night but the department was closed. I'll call later today, was just anxious because I hate needles and really don't want to get it redone.

Who administered the test? You likely need a second as much of healthcare requires a two step TB test (two separate tests at least a week apart). You need the card especially since you expect some one who didn't admin the test to read the results. Ensure the hospital is willing and able to read a test they did not administer.

Limited personnel is often permitted to administer and read TB tests in most facilities ( usually employee health and infection control team).

I can give you an example of why. In nursing school there was a huge issue with the potential that I and 60 of my classmates plus clinical instructors were possibly exposed to active TB. Allegedly 60% of the facility staff had positive skin tests. The health department investigated. The patient in question had pneumonia & bronchitis (the "positive" chest X-ray message over heard by a unit clerk. She had heard the rumors of a bloody cough with the patient and stopped listening at positive. This was corrected by the nursing staff but many overheard the "omg he has TB". Many had coughs due to weather, season changes, dry heat. She didn't violate confidentiality but caused a panic. The test on the patient was misread (all long term rehab patients especially with pulmonary history receive a TB skin test at admission just like a flu shot is offered). As there was a misunderstanding that the patient had a BCG vaccine and therefore a known false positive.

The facility tried a mass TB screen except said any licensed health care team member could read the test (RN LPN MD DO APN PA-C). Some were read early. Some had a small hive that was misread as an induration. Not always a second check of a questionable positive.

Local newspaper got wind.

Ultimately patient zero did not have TB he had pneumonia and bronchitis. Should never have been given the TB skin test because of vaccine history. Staff that were "positive" were retested by the qualified public health dept nursing team. I think two had positive skin tests but were negative for blood tests and chest X-rays. One classmate had a pretty severe reaction. However when extensively questioned by the lead nurse the classmate had received the BCG vaccine when growing up in the Caribbean.

Moral make sure your test is read within the 48-72 hour time frame by a qualified professional. If the reader does not work for the company that administered the test you need the card from the office.

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