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Can a medical assistant read a TB skin test?
Medical assistants may not interpret the results of skin tests, although they may measure and describe the test reaction and make a record in the patient’s chart. In summary, medical assistants are not licensed, and it is not legal to use them to replace highly trained, licensed professionals.
Who can read a TB test in Pennsylvania?
School personnel to be tested include employees and independent contractors who provide direct services to students on behalf of a school, including but not limited to teachers, nurses, administrators, physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, custodians, janitors, cooks, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, librarians.
Who can read TB skin test results?
TSTs must be read in person, by health care providers trained in this skill. Self-reading and reporting of TST results, is not acceptable. Examine the TST site 48 to 72 hours after the TST is administered.
Can a different doctor read my TB test?
If you miss the second doctor visit, you’ll have to wait at least 7-10 days for another skin test. The doctor who administered the test should be the one to read the TB test results. Traditionally, the results are read as positive or negative. Nowadays, the doctor needs to know the size of the reaction in millimeters.
Do I need a TB test every year?
A repeat TB test (e.g., TB blood test or a TB skin test) is not required. Annual TB testing of health care personnel is not recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission at a healthcare facility. Health care personnel with untreated latent TB infection should receive an annual TB symptom screen.
What is the induration of a negative TB test?
An induration of less than 5 millimeters (mm) is considered a negative test result. If you have symptoms or you know you’ve been exposed to someone with TB, you may be advised to get another test later.
When will a TB test show positive?
The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration by a health care worker trained to read TST results. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (firm swelling).
What happens if I have a positive PPD test?
The most commonly used skin test to check for TB is the PPD — purified protein derivative. If you have a positive PPD, it means you have been exposed to a person who has tuberculosis and you are now infected with the bacteria (mycobacterium tuberculosis) that causes the disease.
Can a unlicensed medical assistant read a TB test?
I understand they can administer the test and pass on their observations of the results to the MD, but the MD needs to read the test. The State Board of Healing Arts indicates an unlicensed person cannot interrupt tests, which includes skin tests.
Where can I find information about TB in PA?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Tuberculosis (TB) Program, along with county and municipal health departments, provides information and assistance to health care providers and residents with questions or concerns about TB. Use the following links to learn more about TB:
Who can administer, read ( measure ) and interpret TB skin?
Persons whose healthcare license/certificate allows them to administer intradermal medications within their scope of practice may administer a TB skin test and read (measure) induration. Healthcare license/certificates which allow administration and reading of a TB skin test include: Certified Medical Assistants (MA-C)
Can a CNA do a TB reading test?
There is training to a national standard and certified by a national agency but no such thing as “nationally trained”. In my area they may place the test but reading requires interpretation and it is out of their scope. Reading must be by a licensed nurse, APN, PA or physician in my area.