TB Blood Screening Test

[hope-always316]

I’ve got my final screening test tomorrow pre-biologic prescription. The nurse said something about it needing to be in the morning specifically but didn’t tell me to fast. Should I fast? Has anyone had this TB screening test lately?

[Hidden]

No no need to fast . Yes TB screening has to be done in the morning.

[bubblyalex in reply to Hidden]

Mine wasn’t done in the morning... it was 2pm?

[Hidden in reply to bubblyalex]

Had mine done twice first one didn’t reach the lab before 12 o’clock so was spoiled so had to have it done second time again in the morning.. 🤷‍♀️

[bubblyalex in reply to Hidden]

Ahh ok. So I had mine done at Southampton hospital and it was taken straight down to the lab there.

[bubblyalex]

No fasting needed ... but mine was down in the afternoon so not sure about that.

[Lolabridge]

The timing is to do with getting it to the lab in time to be tested. So no need to fast.

[Moomin8]

Funny enough, I had one last Thursday pre changing my biologic! I wasn't told to fast 🤷🏻‍♀️I was told to get it done before 12, but when I rushed there for that time, I was told it had to be before 2.

[helixhelix]

It’s not necessary to fast, but I have generally been told to try to avoid eating (or eating a lot) for 2 1/2 hours before any blood test, but drink lots of water to ensure you are well hydrated to make it easier to get your blood.

[MadBunny]

No you don't need to fast.I'm on Cimzia and it has worked very well for me- I hope that whatever one you are given works well for you too.Talking of screening, my nurse said that they are now going to do screening every 5 years for patients on biologics. I am assuming that's nationwide- not just my health authority?

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

Hi, Please may I ask apart from TB what other tests need to be done before changing to another Biologic? thanks

[MadBunny in reply to MJSlide1958]

I didn't change- it was my first one- I had varicella, hepatitis B&C

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

thanks, never heard of varicella?

[MadBunny in reply to MJSlide1958]

Chicken pox/ shingles virus

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

Thanks, but are they live vaccines? I thought they are?

[MadBunny in reply to MJSlide1958]

Not sure. I was screened by a blood test to see if I had the viruses dormant in my system because apparently the biologic could trigger them.They didn't give me any vaccines

[MJSlide1958 in reply to MadBunny]

Thank you

[Knit12 in reply to MJSlide1958]

Normally nothing I have been on 4 biologics this year about to start no 5. If you haven’t had bloods done for a while they may do that. You only get screened for TB when you first start biologics and I was given pneumonia vaccine

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Knit12]

thanks

[Feank]

no need to fast, I didnt , but always best to check with rheumy team,, and I did have it in the morning. take care.

[hope-always316]

Thanks everyone - enjoyed my breakfast before my test