tuberculosis test

[Guest guest]

hi all - interesting that this has come up for me in the middle of the

discussion on vaccinations. I've been told I need to have a

tuberculosis test in order to volunteer for hospice. I'm reluctant,

but would like some cogent arguments - for and against. It's not a

vaccination, it is at the level of the skin not the Blood, but it does

involve a pathogen.

 

I believe there is wiggle room in MA on religious grounds, but expect

they will then want a chest xray.

 

Could I have your thoughts?

 

Thanks

Karen

 

Karen R. Adams,

Lic Ac(MA), Diplo Ac, BA(Hons), BS

296 Avenue A

Turners Falls, MA 01376

413-863-0088

[Guest guest]

Hi Karen,

 

They may be using a different test in teh US but in Eurpoe the patch test

uses a protein produced by the pathogen, not the bacteria itself.

 

Hope this helps,

Artemis

 

 

 

-

Karen Adams

Chinese Medicine

Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:10 AM

tuberculosis test

 

 

hi all - interesting that this has come up for me in the middle of the

discussion on vaccinations. I've been told I need to have a tuberculosis

test in order to volunteer for hospice. I'm reluctant, but would like some

cogent arguments - for and against. It's not a vaccination, it is at the

level of the skin not the Blood, but it does involve a pathogen.

[Guest guest]

I've had to have the test done a few times; twice for two different

schools, and again at a job.

The test is known as a Mantoux, or PPD. The PPD is abbreviated

for " Purified Protein Derivative " , indeed, derived from the TB

bacillum.

 

It is injected sub-q, and the site is reviewed within 48 hours.

A red spot of 5mm or less is indicative of no antibodies (and

vaccination is advised).

A red spot 5-10mm implies immunity (antibodies), and no action

is required.

A red spot 10mm to 17mm is indicative of infection.

 

Chest x-rays are then usually ordered.

 

Now, here is the issue. If you want to skip the PPD, and just

order an x-ray, if the x-ray visualizes granulomas, a PPD might be

required anyway to differentiate the granulomas from sarcoidosis,

or a fungal based granuloma, which can be visulalized similarly on

x-ray.

 

Personally, I'd rather do a PPD, and get the vaccination, than risk

a TB infection (and TB is making a comeback, especially among the

poor, elderly, and homeless).

Afterall, once infected, you won't be allowed to step foot into a

Hospice until the infection is resolved, and TB is a tough bug:

 

If you'd treat with traditional modalities, like TCM, you'd likely

be at it awhile, and still incur some scaring to the lung tissue; if

you'd use modern methods, such as isoniasid tx, you'd still be doing

a course of meds for 12 months, and risk liver damage (as isonisaid

is very hepatotoxic).

 

So, while I can discern from your post that you are likely a

TCM " purist " when it comes to lab testing and vaccinations, under

the circumstances, you might wish to modern modalities " half way "

on this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chinese Medicine , " Artemis

Papert " <artemis.artemis wrote:

>

> Hi Karen,

>

> They may be using a different test in teh US but in Eurpoe the

patch test

> uses a protein produced by the pathogen, not the bacteria itself.

>

> Hope this helps,

> Artemis

>

>

>

> -

> Karen Adams

> Chinese Medicine

> Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:10 AM

> tuberculosis test

>

>

> hi all - interesting that this has come up for me in the middle of

the

> discussion on vaccinations. I've been told I need to have a

tuberculosis

> test in order to volunteer for hospice. I'm reluctant, but would

like some

> cogent arguments - for and against. It's not a vaccination, it is

at the

> level of the skin not the Blood, but it does involve a pathogen.

>