TB testing for school in AK

[grumpybear]

My child is entering kindergarten and in place of the skin test, I was informed that I could provide a lung scan instead. I forgot to ask whether I had to provide a new lung scan every year. Anyone had experience with this?

[roadfamily6now]

I don't know.

How exactly do they do a Lung Scan? Is that xray?

[grumpybear]

yes, an chest x-ray, i believe

[Rik-E]

I'm not sure if the skin test or the xray radiation is worse?  I did not find any way to get out of the TB thing. I guess there is no exemption for it?

[happyblessedmama]

The public schools do require evidence of negative TB status every year, so you'd need to provide an updated CXR if you don't go the skin test route. That said, there are active TB cases in areas of Alaska so it's not really an out-there test. We opted to just do it, especially because we lived in an area with a lot of active TB patients and exposure wasn't unlikely (always tested negative, btw). From my personal experience... I would prefer my kids have the skin test vs. a chest x-ray.

[boogaloo]

Alaska is a place with active TB.  So really every area is at risk. 

[katiesk]

i posted about this on the other tb thread... there is also an accurate blood test that is preferable to the skin test or chest xray, in my opinion.

[brightonwoman]

yeah, i'd do the skin test or blood test (the skin test is probably less emotionally traumatic for a kid, just cuz it's faster than a blood draw...) we all went the skin test route.

BUT, it does have a high rate of false positives. And if you get a positive, they will want to do the x-ray, and also a 9month regimen of pills which may or may not destroy your liver...so if any of us get a positive, we will insist on the blood test to verify.

[grumpybear]

just to update, we did end up getting the blood test. Insurance covered most of it, otherwise it's about $275. Thanks for all the input!