Annual TB test?

[malorymug]

Hi, do your kids on biologics need annual tb tests? I thought it was just prior to beginning a biologic?

We have to get a TB test again. Blech. If you recall, they are a pain because the quaderferon gold comes back inconclusive because of inflammation, and he has nodules on his lungs so the xrays don't help. And he just had a ct scan 6 months ago to verify that the nodules haven't grown.

I can fight to get the skin test, but the GI office doesn't like them and I kinda feel like this is excessive.

 

[my little penguin]

TB test is a requirement every year with biologics period
Too high risk
Gi only orders skin test to avoid confusion issues

 

[my little penguin]

Your ped can do the skin TB test ...
Just saying ...
We just call ped and schedule nurse visit
Then they fax results over

 

[malorymug]

Darn it. Okay. I'll start the process for the skin test.

 

[Lisa]

TB test is a requirement every year with biologics period
Too high risk
Gi only orders skin test to avoid confusion issues

I've been on Remicade for 10 years and have never had an annual test....only the initial one before I started infusions.....

 

[crohnsinct]

Annual tests here also.

 

[Tesscorm]

Not here. I did ask both S's GP and GI - both said annual tests not required.

But, I think I'd feel better having it checked once in a while (even if not every year) and was planning on bringing it up at next GI visit.

 

[Farmwife]

Every year here also.
Our insurance also makes sure it happens.

 

[Pilgrim]

We were told prior to biologics for TB test. I can see why a person might want occasional retest. But I wonder if this is insurance generated?

 

[Maya142]

We also do an annual retest. We do the blood test - quanteferon gold (I know I spelt that wrong!) but it has always been negative (thankfully).

 

[Optimistic]

Told here that annual TB test was part of biologic monitoring.

My son had one preparing for remicade. We delayed the start for over a year so far and he will need another one to start.

 

[Jenn]

huh, my son had the initial TB test but doesn't do an annual one with Humira (almost 4 years now). I'll ask his GI next appt.

 

[my little penguin]

Jenn
We get a letter every year from gi and Rheumo
Before the will renew the humira script
Stating date xyz was TB
Needs to complete and submit results prior for new script

 

[Tesscorm]

It's so unsettling when some doctors absolutely require a test and others are 'oh, don't worry... not necessary'! Doesn't make sense - either the risk is a concern or it's not! :ymad:

 

[my little penguin]

Tess I think it's like bloodwork
Most do bloodwork every 2-3 months
But some Gi only check every 6-12 months
My feeling is TB is a high risk disease while on anti tnf
And latent TB can cause issues as well without symptoms
So a cheap skin test is quick and easy for once a year
Same with bloodwork
I ask for a script every 2-3 months
Depending on appts
Better to know than
Finding out later IMO