During a TB test, can you ask the nurse not to draw a circle on your arm?!


Question: During a TB test, can you ask the nurse not to draw a circle on your arm?
I'm scheduled to have a TB test as part of applying for a job. I haven't had one since I was very young. In reading information about the test, I learned that some nurses draw a circle on your arm so they can find the test area when they check it. My problem is that I have an OCD complex regarding being written on; I don't like ink of any type on my skin at any time, especially not a permanent marker, which they would probably use. I'd have intense anxiety the whole 2-3 days I had it on me, and more if I was unable to remove it. Do you guys think I can explain my situation to the nurse when I go and they could not draw a circle, or perhaps put a sticker of some kind on my arm instead? Please, no derisive answers.

Answers:

Most doctors and nurses should receive a bit of training surrounding mental health issues and I'm sure that if you described your situation to them you should be able to have it done without having the circle drawn on your arm. As was mentioned, they cannot force you into it, so there is no harm in at the very least mentioning it, and seeing what they have to say. Maybe ask if they could "draw" the circle out with that white bandage tape, or with band-aids in general.



You should be able to ask them not to do it. They cant exactly force you to let them.
Any nice nurse will understand anyway, so I'd just go ahead and tell them.




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