BCG vaccination and TB skin test

[Welshcookie 17]

I too had the TB skin test done and had a "false positive" result. Negative X-Ray. I had been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine when i was 3 mos old. Here's the kicker........... my pulmonologist told me about a month ago that the BCG vaccine only has a life span of 15-20 yrs. I had the BCG 43 years ago.

Yes, this was told to me too, only the doctor military doc told me 10 yrs. I did weigh up the pro's and cons of taking treatment, but it is pretty harsh on the immune system and liver, I had a neg x ray and felt happy that I had a false positive. My skin test result was over 19mm so it was pretty impressive

[~*Maria*~ 1]

I too had the TB skin test done and had a "false positive" result. Negative X-Ray. I had been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine when i was 3 mos old. Here's the kicker........... my pulmonologist told me about a month ago that the BCG vaccine only has a life span of 15-20 yrs. I had the BCG 43 years ago.

Yes, this was told to me too, only the doctor military doc told me 10 yrs. I did weigh up the pro's and cons of taking treatment, but it is pretty harsh on the immune system and liver, I had a neg x ray and felt happy that I had a false positive. My skin test result was over 19mm so it was pretty impressive

My skin test result was 18mm and itched like bloody hell Due to the fact of having scar tissue in both lungs scared me and has got my lung specialist worried. I feel like a walking medicine cabinet already. I'm already on an antibiotic prophylaxis treatment for ma lungs as it is, another 4 or 5 pills, well lets just say you'll hear me coming before ya see me

[Welshcookie 17]

I too had the TB skin test done and had a "false positive" result. Negative X-Ray. I had been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine when i was 3 mos old. Here's the kicker........... my pulmonologist told me about a month ago that the BCG vaccine only has a life span of 15-20 yrs. I had the BCG 43 years ago.

Yes, this was told to me too, only the doctor military doc told me 10 yrs. I did weigh up the pro's and cons of taking treatment, but it is pretty harsh on the immune system and liver, I had a neg x ray and felt happy that I had a false positive. My skin test result was over 19mm so it was pretty impressive

My skin test result was 18mm and itched like bloody hell Due to the fact of having scar tissue in both lungs scared me and has got my lung specialist worried. I feel like a walking medicine cabinet already. I'm already on an antibiotic prophylaxis treatment for ma lungs as it is, another 4 or 5 pills, well lets just say you'll hear me coming before ya see me

Wow...I had to google Interstitial Lung Disease, that's pretty rough....hope things improve for you.

[LA80 3]

Ok, here is the update. I notified my boss about the other test and my BCG vaccine, and she told me she would ask the nurse. The lady with whom I was supposed to go and take the test did not show up for work today, so...the drama continues...

The thing with my x-ray done for visa is that it showed something that doctors characterized as signs of past pneumonia that was not treated (visible calcification). Apparently, they did not find it alarming, they did not connect it with TB, and I got the visa. Now...with possibly positive TB skin test and scarring...I might become another walking medicine cabinet.

[~*Maria*~ 1]

Ok, here is the update. I notified my boss about the other test and my BCG vaccine, and she told me she would ask the nurse. The lady with whom I was supposed to go and take the test did not show up for work today, so...the drama continues...

The thing with my x-ray done for visa is that it showed something that doctors characterized as signs of past pneumonia that was not treated (visible calcification). Apparently, they did not find it alarming, they did not connect it with TB, and I got the visa. Now...with possibly positive TB skin test and scarring...I might become another walking medicine cabinet.

I hope things get sorted out for you soon.

[LA80 3]

Here is another update...it seems everything here has to do with money and who pays what.

The nurse contacted doctors and they told her that, since I was vaccinated so long time ago, I could take the skin test. She said that blood test is done in another city and they are obviously not extremely eager to pay for the costs of that one. I told them that I will probably have to refuse taking it because a false positive may complicate my life. Of course, they would only pay for the skin test, but if it positive...I am losing my temporary position, I have to pay for x-ray, and possible therapy. I will not even mention stigma and further troubles with my American family.

So my decision is to insist on the TB blood test and if they do not want to let me do it, well I will just try to find another job.

[kaffy 2]

oh how frustrating.. I hope it works in your favor.

Have you looked here to see where the closest testing facility is to you: http://www.quantiferon.com/contacts_usca.php

I guess I am lucky they test it at the hospital I work at.. I had no idea it was such a new & rare thing

[LA80 3]

It seems that they decided not to push for it. I am still working there and no one mentions TB skin test anymore. Now I wonder if it was really that necessary. I did tell them that I had to do chest x-ray before I got my visa, and that they would not let me in the country if I had TB.

I hope this is the end of my TB saga.