Dr asked if I had TB vacination and said my blood test was positive because I must have had it as a child. Is this possible?

[snow22]

I tested positive on Quintiferon Gold blood test for TB and the first thing GP said was it must be because I had a vacination as a child.

Is it true that this can cause a positive blood test??

I still have been offered no treatment since then.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi snow22,

Thanks for getting in touch - it is frustrating when doctors leave you without the answers you need for what is a worrying condition. Hopefully, I can help.

The TB blood test you described looks for antibodies to the TB bacteria. If they are present, you have been exposed to TB or received a BCG vaccine. If you do not otherwise feel unwell it may be because you have received the BCG or because have a latent TB infection, in which the bacteria are asleep in your body causing no harm.

Latent TB is not treated in people over 35 as the risk of damage to your liver from the TB medication is greater than the risk of the latent TB waking up to cause you harm.

If you have had the BCG you may have a small scar on your upper arm but this is not always the case.

I note you say that you have swelling to the abdomen. If the doctor is aware of this but does not think it is related to your positive blood test that is reassuring. You can always seek a second opinion if you are unsure though.

The important thing to know about TB is that it gets progressively worse over time, so if your symptoms do not resolve or get worse and you get any other of the common symptoms of TB (cough, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss) do go back to your doctor and ask for further tests.

Best wishes,

Helen

[snow22 in reply to HelenC]

Thank you . I have read old posts all say that getting treatment for extrapulomonary TB is near impossible as one is not contagious so they are not bothered

[snow22 in reply to HelenC]

Could you tell me if I could get a urine culture test anywhere? I read an old post that mentioned this and it was tested positive and lead to treatment.

Does a blood culture test exist? Also there is a fine needle fluid test I have read about. Again no one mentions it do you know if it still exists in UK?

[Deebee21 in reply to HelenC]

Hi HelencC, I am 59 and have just started Latent TB medication Rifanah and B6. I'm on day 13 of 3 month prescription. I have started to get chills, lower back pain, fatigue, head aches about 4 hours after taking my meds. I hope this is a normal side effect.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi snow22,

I think I am also in touch with you by email now.

Doctors would not refuse to treat extrapulmonary TB if this was the cause of your symptoms. TB is a 'progressive disease' meaning it gets worse and causes more damage to the body the longer it goes without treatment. Doctors are therefore keen to diagnose and treat early.

It is latent TB that doctors may not treat. As mentioned before, latent TB is asleep and not causing damage to the body so the risk of the medication may be greater than the risks of it waking up and causing harm.

Certainly, push for the answers you need and seek a second or even third opinion if you do not get the answers you need - but also remain open minded as there are lots of explanations for the symptoms that you describe.

Best wishes,

Helen

[snow22 in reply to HelenC]

If you watch hospital secrets uncovered on panorama bbc tv you will hear a man say if he complains to pals or the tv he will not be treated

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to snow22]

I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty getting the answers you need.

As I have said above, treatment is not offered to everyone with latent TB as the risks can seriously outweigh the benefits. I cannot think of any other explanation for this situation but I do hope you get a resolution.