Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Methotrexate & TB skin test

lovethebeach4
lovethebeach4
Does anyone know if it is ok to get an annual TB skin test while on methotrexate? I work in a hospital and I have to have annual TB skin testing.....thanks!
coaltrain
coaltrain
Actually the TB skin test was a requirement for me to start either Enbrel or Humira. I had been on Methotrexate for over a year when I had the TB test.

And to note - I just had another TB test done to try to get a big push for Humira approval for my new insurance company. Don't know much about it but the doc said it isn't a skin test any more - just a blood test. Something new I suppose.
Sk8ingjudge
Sk8ingjudge
There are two different types of tests for TB, the blood test or the skin test.

I would ask my rheumy to be sure a skin test is ok as I do not know if the PPD tuberculin that they use is ok to introduce into an immune suppressed person.

Blood test can be done with no problems for your work.

Better safe than sorry.
carrottop50
carrottop50
I had to have the TB test too but it was a blood test in fact ordered by both my Nephrologist and rheumatologist. Like the others above have said ask your rheumatologist. He/she might order the blood test to be safe.
Niki55
Niki55
I had a TB test in order to start Enbrel after being on MTX for at least six months. My TB was the standard skin test, and I had no problem at all.
racerunner
racerunner
The TB test reqired for humira is different and needs to be a venous sample with a lab value versus the TB test we all are familar with for employment which is with the tb syringe and nurses measure the reaction in millimeters. Ask your doc.