posted
My son's school is now requiring TB tests for people who want to volunteer there.
I was just wondering of any of these TBI's or meds taken for them can affect a TB test.
Specifically, I wondered about Rifampin. When I was on that, the eye doctor got edgy and kept asking if I was sure I didn't have TB, since that's what Rifampin is often used for.
Can any of these things cause a false positive TB test?
Probably a dopey question, but I was just wondering.
Posts: 303 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Jul 2010
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
Well, I am thinking I have had lyme for roughly 6 years. I get a TB test every year for work and so far, no reaction. Just had another one done in May.
Even if you did have a reaction, all that means is that you were exposed to it...not that you have it. I have several coworkers who have had a positive reaction but their chest x-ray is always negative.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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Razzle
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Member # 30398
posted
The TB skin test will begin to show positive the more of them that you have done. There is a blood test that is more accurate and does not have this same problem, called the Quantiferon Gold TB test. This test is not affected by having had a bunch of TB skin tests, thus negating the need to go in for a chest xray every time the skin TB test comes back positive. So it is less expensive and does not expose you to more radiation...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
Interesting Razzle. I never heard of that...about the more times you get tested. I've been tested over 30 times and have never shown a positive. I wonder if this is why some of my coworkers have shown positives? Makes one think.
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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