TB test?

[it's just apples]

Is a tb test as harmful as vaccination? If so, will a religious exemption work for that as well as for the vaccinations? I just got my 4 year old's preschool information and he's supposed to have one before he starts (as well as have a physical form filled out that they flat told me we didn't need- and I *just* took him for a check up!).

[spero]

What state are you in? Laws on exemption from TB testing vary from state to state.

If it's required in your state, you might want to get the Quantiferon blood sample test rather than the more common Mantoux skin test (which contains 0.1 ml of purified protein derivative, taken from dead tuberculosis bacteria, containing 5 tuberculin units; plus Phenol and polysorbate 80 - injected subcutaneously, then the area is checked for any reaction 48-72 hours later).

[kate3]

you might want to get the Quantiferon blood sample test rather than the more common Mantoux skin test

As Spero pointed out, the Quantiferon TB test uses a whole blood sample (drawn from a vein, not a fingerstick). It is an acceptable alternative to TB testing but not offered routinely. But if you ask your provider to order it you should be able to have the blood drawn at any lab.

[3kidsclmr]

I had the quantiferon test done on myself instead of getting yet another mantoux (skin) test for my job requirements this year. I just felt better about not getting injected with something... The only thing you have to be aware of is that the sample needs to be processed within 12 hours of the blood draw, so you'll need to go in the morning. My doc neglected to tell me this, and I got to the lab too late, and had to go back the next day. I was worried insurance wouldn't cover it, but I looked up the cost and it was only $25.00- but the insurance co. never gave me a problem about it, anyway.