PPD TB Test

[saqibbs]

Hi

My issue is pretty similar to the following:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/RespiratoryDisorders/messages/2677.htm

i) In 09/2004 I had a negative TB test, since then I haven't left Boulder, CO (I visited Houston for a week in Jan 2005 and most of the time I stayed indoors)

ii) I doubt that I could have been exposed to TB because my routine has been very predictable for the past two years meeting almost the same set of people.

iii) In May 2006 I suffered Bells Palcy and was on steriods and made full recovery.

iv) During this summer (from May 2006 till now) I have been hiking a lot in the mountains and I feel much healthier.

v) I had PPD test recently which resulted in 14mm reading, X-Ray was clear, and my doc suggested I start on INH 300mg, my family doc advised me against it. (he said that 14mm is not enough to warrant that treatment)

So I have a question

a) Do you guys have QFN test at your hospital, if I don't find it in here I can come at your hospital.

b) What would your opinion be, the doc took my liver test and it came out ok so it was suggested that I start the medication but I  am not sort of a person takes medication easily rather I only take it when it is pretty necessary so I want to be sure.

c) Is it possible that I have this because I might have gotten it in the mountains or something like that and is not actually the tb bacteria.

b) After taking steriods for my Bells palcy, I have developed a problem of Acne on my face, so is it possible that something inside me caused the false negative. (I personally am convinced that it is a false positive)

[National Jewish]

A 14 mm PPD reaction is on the borderline to indicate the need for preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) for an individual with low risk.

We don

[saqibbs]

Does anyone know about the following tests.

4. Montox test, i.e. 14mm skin test is not a sure test; it gives some time wrong results because
of body chemistry due to certain medicines taken in previous months. This should be kept in
mind;

i) If X-Ray is clear, it is good.
ii) You may take TLC and/or DLC tests to be sure that all is OK.
iii) ESR test also helps ascertaining that it is OK, as far as TB is concerned.