TB tests--are there different formulas?

[Pohuehue]

My 1 y.o. and I both need TB test clearances. I know it's different from a vax and (I've been told) doesn't go into the bloodstream, but I'm still uncomfortable with getting it injected... We're still going to do it to get into the program that requires it though.

Are there different "formulas" for the tuberculin used in TB tests? Do I have any choice in they type that gets used? If so, what's best?

I just thought I'd ask here first before asking the doc or the TB testing place. I'm sure they'll say it's all the same and think I'm crazy for asking. Got any scoops?

TIA!

[spero]

You DO have a choice.

The traditional Mantoux TB test is an injection of Tubersol, which contains Tuberculin in phosphate buffered saline with Tween 80 as a stabilizer, and 0.28 percent phenol added as a preservative.

Although you may have to travel to get one, the newest alternative is the Quantiferon Gold blood test. Nothing is injected, it's just a blood draw.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by spero

You DO have a choice.

The traditional Mantoux TB test is an injection of Tubersol, which contains Tuberculin in phosphate buffered saline with Tween 80 as a stabilizer, and 0.28 percent phenol added as a preservative.

Although you may have to travel to get one, the newest alternative is the Quantiferon Gold blood test. Nothing is injected, it's just a blood draw.

Exactly what I was going to say. I would NOT get this test. I have actually refused it for myself at my job!

[lioralourie]

Not to mention the blood draw is WAY more accurate!

The mantoux ppd skin test has a high rate of false positives, and also not entirely reliable re: false negatives!

I've researched this because I live in China where TB is a standard at-birth live vaccine. This is one vax that many expats refuse, actually, mostly because the Mantoux will most of the time be positive for those vaxxed, requiring an X ray to rule out "active" TB. It's not the vax they're against, just the X rays are something most moms don't want their kids to get over and over again throughout their lives once they move back to their home country.

[Pohuehue]

Well, looks like the blood test isn't offered in Hawai'i, though I did send a request to the company to see if they could tell me anything else.

My 1 y.o. and I both need clearance to participate in a great program here, so I think I just have to do it (the injection) and am trying to get okay with that.

Thanks everyone.

[Marnica]

Thats too bad....Im sorry. If you are going to get it...Id consult a homeopath. I remember I had to get it one year and she gave me a remedy to help my body detox the negative effects (ie the phenol). I can't remember what the remedy was though. If not at the very least take alot of Sodium ascorbate (vit c) and Vitamin A before on the day of and after to support your immune systems.

[Pohuehue]

what about in pregnancy?

Darn it!! I've put it off so long and now find myself pregnant (just a few weeks) and still needing to do it (the injection--my only option where I live) so we can get into this great program. Please tell me I'll be okay... Any other suggestions? I have lots of vitamin C.

[Marnica]

Well congrats!!!

I would wait until you are out of the first trimester to get the TB skin test. But Thats just me. I would not inject ANY toxic substance in the first trimester.
If you feel you can't do that than I would def consult a homeopath and get a remedy (I think Thuja is what I was given). I have refused this test at my job because I am breastfeeding. So far they haven't tried to "force" me. Id try and get out of it for yourself based on your pregnancy.
No doctor can tell you it's safe to do while pregnant because no studies have been done. Good luck!