Physicals

I am a Pre-Nursing student, but I would appreciate it greatly if practicing nurses, such as yourselves, would give me some information.

17 years ago, I had a positive reaction to the TB test. I then took the INH for 6 months, even though I did not have the actual disease (from chest x-ray). I was informed that I should not be tested again because I will always have a positive reaction, and having it again can cause severe reactions.

I guess my questions are: Were you required by your school to get tested?
If so, at what point in time? Do you know anyone who got kicked out of school because of a positive reaction (with no active TB)?
For the working nurses, what physical tests are required prior and during employment?

I am stressing out because I plan on going to a career college, and am afraid that I will be putting my time, money and effort just to be told that I can't go on. Please help.
Lots of people test positive without active disease. It just means you've been exposed and have the antibody. Tell your school you test positive and they'll have you get a chest xray instead. The hospital where I work requires annual Tb testing,..those like you get an annual xray,..no big deal.Best of luck to you.

Thanks so much RN-Cardiac. I now have peace of mind regarding this issue. I will surely ask them to give me a chest x-ray instead.

I have also had a postive PPD, 9 months of Isoniazid, and a clear xray. My school requires a Quanti- Feron Gold TB test every year for those who have had a + PPD in the past. It requires a blood draw.

I'm a freak of nature who's allergic to phenol (the preservative in the TB test). I was tested for TB repeatedly in my first year of life and developed an allergy. As a student, I had to get a chest x-ray for nursing school. This is very expensive, especially when compared to the skin test. I believe that the quantiferon gold test is also quite pricey. When you are employed in a health care facility, your employer picks up the charge. I would see if you employer would accept the chest x-ray and record of taking INH, just to save your pocketbook, before you book the x-ray.

Quote from Student Mom to ThreeI have also had a postive PPD, 9 months of Isoniazid, and a clear xray. My school requires a Quanti- Feron Gold TB test every year for those who have had a + PPD in the past. It requires a blood draw.

All I needed was the negative QFG-TB test- no documentation about the meds or anything. Like another poster, I have heard the test is a bit expensive. Luckily, I have fantastic insurance and all my labs and xrays are free.Good luck!

In my employment physical, they just did a standard assessment with no bloodwork or UA. The drug test part of the physical was separate.In my job (home health) we have to get a PPD for TB every year. I'm sure they must have an alternative for those who test pos on the skin test so you don't have to have a chest x-ray every year. But your problem is not all that unusual. Best wishes to you!!

If it were me, I wouldn't want to be radiated every year. I'd refuse the chest xray but let them do the blood test.

Quote from GM2RNIf it were me, I wouldn't want to be radiated every year. I'd refuse the chest xray but let them do the blood test.

Quote from LoveMyBugsThe chest x-ray should be good for five years. When I went to school they wanted a TB test every year, or if you had a positive reaction a chest x-ray which you only had to do once as they said it was good for 5 years