PPD (test for TB) okay during pregnancy?

[OTmama]

I am starting a new job mid-July, and a PPD test for TB is required since I work in healthcare. I have not gone for the physical or orientation yet so have no idea how they will respond if I say I won't b/c I'm pregnant...???

Most of the info I have found says the test is safe (but then they say that about vaccines too: don't they!!), but I am wondering if anyone knows different. I want to be armed with good sound info against if necessary to make my stand. I need this job though, so I am hoping they agree to an exemption based on prego status. My last job, in the same type of facility, actually had as part of their policy that they would not use the PPD test on any pregnant and/or nursing mom...I didn't even have to put up a fuss!!

Anyone have any good info/advice on this?

[LongIsland]

From the Tubersol product insert:

Pregnancy Category C (Tuberculin)

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with TUBERSOL®. However, the Advisory Council for Elimination of Tuberculosis states:

Tuberculin skin testing is considered valid and safe throughout pregnancy. No teratogenic effects of testing during pregnancy have been documented.

The risk of unrecognized tuberculosis and the close post partum contact between a mother with active disease and an infant leaves the infant in grave danger of tuberculosis and complications such as tuberculous meningitis. Therefore, the prescribing physician should consider if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks for performing the tuberculin test on a pregnant woman or a woman of childbearing age, particularly in certain high risk populations.

[amnesiac]

Interesting, I've never heard of anyone exempting pregnant women from PPD. Personally, I think it's pretty benign.

[Jen1206]

Where I work, the only reason you can opt out is pregnancy. I did, however, have a TB test in all three of my pregnancies.

[chersolly]

I don't want anything injected into my body while I'm pregnant, but hey, that's just me.

I don't like anything taken out either.

[paquerette]

I sure wouldn't. Can they tell you what is in it? Every time we've talked about it here, no one knows.

Can you do a sputum test, if they insist that you need to do something?

[marilynmama]

I have gotten the PPD test during both pregnancies, it's personally nothing I worry about and think it fairly benign, but that is just how *I* feel. If your worried about it during pregnancy surely you can explain your worries and they can work something out with you.

Here is the package insert:
http://www.vaccineshoppe.com/US_PDF/752-21_4611.pdf

HTH

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

There is a new test being evaluated. Since you work in healthcare, you might want to check it out.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/520274

[GooeyRN]

I am a nurse and was preggo while requiring my annual physical at work. My OB wrote on the physical sheet that the PPD/chest xray could be done after delivery. No one gave me any problems with that. (I can not have ppd's since I had a positive one in the past. I now need a chest xray and i would not even consider that during pregnancy.)

[gentlebirthmothr]

Originally Posted by marilynmama

I have gotten the PPD test during both pregnancies, it's personally nothing I worry about and think it fairly benign, but that is just how *I* feel. If your worried about it during pregnancy surely you can explain your worries and they can work something out with you.

Here is the package insert:
http://www.vaccineshoppe.com/US_PDF/752-21_4611.pdf

HTH

otmama,

:, to what Marilyn said to you about this.