Worried, I have positive result of quantiferon gold test :(

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I'm admitted to the fall 2014 nursing program, so I've done what needs to be done, the medical check up.. However, I've got a result of quantiferon gold test for TB and it's positive. My doctor referred me to get a chest x ray done and he said he will start the latent TB treatment once he gets the x ray result back.

My question is..

Would this result affect my admission of nursing program of this fall?

Should I be better consult this with the health service of my school?

I briefly searched internet about the treatment and the range was around 9months.. So I'm worried.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You need to talk with the school directly. Call or email.

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I know someone that had this happen but he was applying to be a firefighter. As long as it's latent and you're being treated, it shouldn't affect your acceptance but only the school will know for sure.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I know this must be scary but as long as you do not have any active symptoms and are not contagious they should still let you do clinicals. Just know you should never do a PPD test in the future since it will always be positive. Instead, based on your symptoms you may need a chest x-ray annually

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

TB is still endemic in many parts of the country, so this is not uncommon. There are tons of us (me included) that 'converted' due to TB exposure in the clinical setting. I converted in my 4th year of practice (ICU) and it was discovered with routine annual PPD. I underwent prophylaxis for the required period of time with all required follow up. Afterward, I have to have cxr instead of skin test, but there has never been a problem with employment.

Be sure to complete all your post-exposure treatment & periodic follow up - and keep your records.

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