Author: Jo Lyn

~Vital Health News

ISSUE 1

TB TESTING INFORMATION

Quality Nurse Consultants ~ Health Coaching, Energy Therapy
Jo Lyn Cornelsen RN www.QualityNurseConsultants.com 888-817-1496
19707 NE 234th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604

ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS and TB SKIN TESTING (PPD/Mantoux)

TB is an airborne disease.
TB Skin Testing is considered safe during pregnancy.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) means the infection is inactive.
A positive TB test indicates the need for X-rays or sputum sample tests.

Risks of TB Testing: 1) Generally minor bruising, infection from skin penetration, or sensitivity reaction.
Benefits of Annual TB Testing: 1) find out if you have active or latent LTBI. 2) receive appropriate treatment if infected. 3) Peace of mind about TB
Two Step TB Testing is two skin tests, given two or three weeks apart.
Two step TB test is required upon hire for work in Adult Family Homes.

What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that spreads through the air. The germs become airborne when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. TB can also affect the brain, the kidneys, or the spine.
What are the symptoms of TB? General symptoms may include feeling weak or sick, weight loss, fever and/or night sweats. Symptoms of TB may include cough, chest pain, and /or coughing up blood. Other symptoms depend on the part of the body affected.
How is the skin test given? A small needle is used to put non-infectious testing material, called tuberculin, just under the skin, usually on the inside of the arm. The skin test area must be checked 48 to 72 hours later. Any reaction is measured. Skin testing is considered safe during pregnancy.
What if the test is negative? A negative result usually means the person is not infected with TB. A false negative may occur if the person has been recently exposed to TB. It takes 2 to 10 weeks after exposure to TB for a positive reaction. This is why a 2 step test may be needed. A false negative can also occur if the person’s immune system is not working properly.
What if the test is positive? A positive reaction usually means that The person has been infected with the TB germ, known as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). It does not necessarily mean that the person has active TB. X-rays or sputum sample tests are needed to determine if the TB is active. If you test positive, consult your doctor.

Clark County Health Department No Longer Provides TB Testing

TB TESTING RESOURCES:
Your Physician
Health Clinics
CHS Pharmacy
ALREADY IMMUNIZED FOR TB?
Some European countries give standard immunizations for Tuberculosis. If you have been immunized for TB, DO NOT GET THE SKIN TEST! Go to your physician, get a chest x-ray instead. Once you’ve done that, there is no need for repeated tests. Keep your documentation and give copies to your employer.

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