Question

You are working as a back office Medical Assistant, and have just performed a TB test on a patient who needs the test for employment verification. The patient is a 26 y/o male and he tells you that he really needs this job because he has to support his family. However he is worried about the test results. When you inquiry, why he is worried, he tells you that he heard, if you test test positive you will not be able to work. What would you tell this patient? What disease is the patient worried about? Would there ever be a reason a patient would test positive? If so what are the standard protocols?

Answer 1

What would you tell this patient? What disease is the patient worried about?

The Patient is worried about Tuberculosis.

Reassure the patient that a positive TB test indicates that the TB bacteria is detected. It doesn't mean that the person has active TB.

Would there ever be a reason a patient would test positive? If so what are the standard protocols?

There are chances that the patient might test positive.But, only someone with active TB disease in the lungs can spread the germ. Asymptomatic patients are not contagious and do not put their co-workers at risk.

TB reduces the economic productivity in many countries. And employers look forward for a healthier and more productive workforce. This is the reason why there should be a pre-employement TB screening

Also,its a law that TB tests should be done for every candidate before employement.

Treatment of asymptomatic or latent TB is not urgent as the management of active TB. Yet, treatment is advised as part of the TB elimination Programme.

TB treatment include 4 drug regimen- isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin