If you have been potentially exposed to Tuberculosis should go work or wait the 72 hours for test results?

It is generally recommended that you wait for the results of your tuberculosis (TB) test before returning to work. This is because TB is a highly contagious disease, and you could potentially spread it to your co-workers if you are infected.

The TB skin test usually takes 48 to 72 hours to produce a result. If you have been vaccinated against TB, the skin test may not be accurate, so you may need to have a blood test instead.

You should also get a chest X-ray to rule out any other lung problems that could be causing symptoms similar to TB.

If your test results are negative, you can return to work as soon as you feel well enough. However, if your test results are positive, you will need to follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and follow-up care.

Medical Research - Related Articles