When you get a negative PPD test for TB, how long are the results valid before you have to get a new one?

Question

I got a PPD with a physical last year and I don't want to get another test this year, so how long are those results good for?

Answer 1

As usual, no one bothered to look up the answer. Here are the facts:

The interval for ROUTINE SCREENING for the general population at low risk for TB (does nto live in Asia or high risk area, has no contacts, no working in the health care field) is not officially defined- some people say adults should be screened every five years. Some never. It depends upon your risk of contact with TB. In the US, it is recommended that kids get routine screening at 1 year, 5 years and 10 years of age.

As to VALIDITY, your test is VALID forever- that is, it shows that when you were tested you have never before had tubercuous infection. But it is no guarantee for the future. So the question for YOU becomes: what sorts of conditions make it necessary for you to have a re-assessment of your tuberculin status? YOUR RISK, not the nature of the test, determines the interval for testing.

If you have ever had an abnormal chest xray, if you have symptoms consistent with TB, if you have had contact with a certain or probable case of TB, if you are a health care worker, if you travel to a high rish area, or if you have problems iwth your immune system, then annual skin testing is advised as long as that risk condition holds.

http://www.webmd.com/hw/lab_tests/hw203560.asp

Answer 2

Ppd Results

Answer 3

I work in a hospital and have to have a PPD test every year. I think getting one done yearly is about normal. I guess it depends on why you had it done and what industry you work in. Since I am in the health industry, it is mandatory to have this done every year. If your job requires it and does it for free, it's no big deal. If you test positive, it just means you have been exposed to TB and after that you will always test positive and they usually do a chest xray yearly after that. If you have been on steroids (i.e. prednisone), it can give a false positive and therefore you should tell them before you have the PPD done (they will just do a chest xray in that case). It's always better safe than sorry and it doesn't hurt to have the PPD done.

Answer 4

Negative Ppd

Answer 5

One Year

Answer 6

You do not need to get one yearly unless you work in an industry that requires it or unless you are at risk yourself. Health-care workers must get one annually. If you live in an area that has had a TB outbreak or if you have a chronic cough and night sweats you should have this simple test.

Answer 7

Well I have to get TB tests for work and they are good for 2 years. :)

Answer 8

you should have one each year. I work in a Head Start program that is government funded and we must have a new one year year or we will be suspended until we get it. If you have a job were you may be more likely to be exposed to it then you really should get one every year. It is better to be safe.

Answer 9

i have to get TB tests for work on a yearly basis. i work in a hospital though, so maybe they are more picky. but typically, i believe it is one year.