• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Has anyone ever had a positive TB skin test?

GobBluth

GobBluth

Senior member
...but never had symptoms of TB? Apparently there is latent TB which can live in the body forever and never get the host sick. Latent TB also is not contagious. If that is the case, and let's say a TB skin test was part of your job, how would that affect things?

GB
 
The TB skin test is horribly unreliable because it reacts if you have had the TB vaccine, or if you have latent TB (about 1 out of 3 people worldwide), or have recovered from TB, or for many other reasons.

Right now, it wouldn't affect my job at all. But years ago, it would have been a problem since I was doing research work in that field. A false positive could have prevented me from going into the BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs.
 
Last edited:
It just means you'd have to get a chest x-ray. Most non-Americans will test positive on the PPD because of the BCG vaccine.
 
GobBluth said:
...but never had symptoms of TB? Apparently there is latent TB which can live in the body forever and never get the host sick. Latent TB also is not contagious. If that is the case, and let's say a TB skin test was part of your job, how would that affect things?

GB
Click to expand...


I am of these people

and i'm sure if it was part of my job and could be medically explained there would be no issue
 
Got a TB test done, but was negative. It made a huge red circle though, I started wondering if it was positive so went to check with the nurse asking if it's normal. But it was all good.
 
Red Squirrel said:
Got a TB test done, but was negative. It made a huge red circle though, I started wondering if it was positive so went to check with the nurse asking if it's normal. But it was all good.
Click to expand...

They're looking (well, feeling) for induration, not redness/puffiness.
 
Yes, I show positive every single time I take the skin test, probably due to latent TB (my grandfather had TB at one point when I was small and I may have been exposed). As a kid, my pediatrician would just make me get chest x-rays instead.

I switched doctors 10-15 years ago and he wanted to do the skin test and I warned him that I'd show positive. He didn't believe me and ran the test anyway and sure enough......
 
Ugh, used to transport detainees with that shit. Quite a few of the guys I worked with popped hot on their TB test.
 
Sputum and xray would confirm if you need to take meds for 6 months. It would be a cocktail of daily 4 drugs regimen for 3 months and reduced to 2 drugs the last 3 months. If you do have tb you will be monitored by the health dept for daily intake of medications. However the last 3 months you can opt for biw treatment.

If you have a drug resistant tb then your treatment will last 1.5 to 2 years with strict monitoring and different drug regiment that is stronger than regular tb meds.

The meds you take for tb are very strong regardless if its regular or drug resistant tb.
 
This thread has opened my eyes.
Time to wiki TB.

About 80% of people in many Asian and African countries test positive while 5–10% of people in the United States population tests positive by the tuberculin test.
Click to expand...

As of 2015, tuberculosis appears to be widespread among captive elephants in the US. It is believed that the animals originally acquired the disease from humans, a process called reverse zoonosis. Because the disease can spread through the air to infect both humans and other animals, it is a public health concern affecting circuses and zoos.
Click to expand...
Ugh.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top