What is considered a positive reportable TB test?

Published

CDC says:

An induration of 5 or more millimeters is considered positive in

-HIV-infected persons

-A recent contact of a person with TB disease

-Persons with fibrotic changes on chest radiograph consistent with prior TB

-Patients with organ transplants

-Persons who are immunosuppressed for other reasons (e.g., taking the equivalent of >15 mg/day of prednisone for 1 month or longer, taking TNF-aantagonists)

An induration of 10 or more millimeters is considered positive in

-Recent immigrants (< 5 years) from high-prevalence countries

-Injection drug users

-Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings

-Mycobacteriology laboratory personnel

-Persons with clinical conditions that place them at high risk

-Children < 4 years of age

– Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults in high-risk categories

>An induration of 15 or more millimetersis considered positive in any person, including persons with no known risk factors for TB. However, targeted skin testing programs should only be conducted am

I currently have a client who has 9mm induration- he's asymptomatic. Do I still report to health department?

13 hours ago, laflaca said:

Depends on your facility.... But generally if you have 9 mm, just document the 9 mm which in this case is negative

If you are wondering whether additional testing or evaluation is needed on the clinical end for some reason you haven't mentioned... that's a call to your doc. But if the correct standard for this patient's situation is 10 mm or 15 mm and you've got 9 mm - your result is negative, and public health doesn't require any report.

I called the health Department and client mentioned he had Tb before and was treated they’re saying this is considered a factor. ( he did tell the nurse that placed it) they had me fax them and may want him to be seen for a cxr. Only thing it’s my last day today and they’re giving me the run around and there’s no other nurse.

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