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TB test - 2/25/2008 5:33:24 PM

defiantbadgirl

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Earlier today, I had a TB test performed by the nurse at my college and no bubble formed at the injection site. She said some people bubble up more than others, but I didn't see any bubble. Does anyone know if this means the test wasn't done right and I need to be re-tested?

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RE: TB test - 2/25/2008 5:39:37 PM

kittinSol

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Interpretation of TB Skin Test Results

The basis of the reading of the skin test is the presence or absence and the amount of induration (localized swelling). The diameter of the induration should be measured transversely (i.e. perpendicular) to the long axis of the forearm and recorded in millimeters. The area of induration (palpable, raised, hardened area) around the site of injection is the reaction to tuberculin. Again, redness is not measured. A tuberculin reaction is classified as positive based on the diameter of the induration in conjunction with certain patient-specific risk factors. In a healthy person who is not immunocompromised, induration greater than or equal to 15mm is considered a positive skin test. If blisters are present (vesiculation), the test is also considered positive. In a person with underlying kidney disease, diabetes, or a healthcare worker, 10mm of induration is considered a positive skin test. 5 mm is considered a positive skin test result for patients who are immunocompromised, such as with rheumatoid arthritis patients and Crohn's disease patients. Induration of less than 2mm, without blistering, is considered a negative skin test.

http://www.medicinenet.com/tuberculosis_skin_test_ppd_skin_test/article.htm

In other words, it could mean the test result is negative, and that you may need further testing and, eventually, TB immunisation.

< Message edited by kittinSol -- 2/25/2008 5:40:12 PM >

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RE: TB test - 2/25/2008 5:40:39 PM

Alumbrado

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AFAIK, it means you need to wait 48-72 hours.

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RE: TB test - 2/27/2008 8:25:40 PM

leftofcenter

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Defiant, I know what you are asking. If there was no bubble, it can just mean that the nurse injected the fluid more deeply than you are used to having. It will still be effective in giving you a pos/neg.

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RE: TB test - 2/27/2008 8:50:42 PM

MistressVnus

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A TB test is basically a shot that injects "dead" TB cells into your arm to see how your body reacts. If your body has developed a significant amount of "antibodies" to TB, they will attack the site of injection and cause a red, rash like, attack on the TB injected cells. This can idicate that you have been exposed to someone, or have TB. The body only makes "antibodies" to things it has already been exposed to.

If there is no reaction. You're in good shape. This means your body hasn't formed any antibodies to fight the "dead" (otherwise considered imposters) TB cells, which means you haven't been exposed to someone, nor acquired TB.

Some people will have a strong reaction because they have been exposed to someone who has it. Not necessarily having it themselves. However, if their immune system is potent and sensitive enough, it will create the antibodies just from being near someone who has it. In this case, continued tests in shot form only continue to create more antibodies and increase the (false) "positive" that will be indicated by an increased reaction to the shot. Once this is determined to be a false positive (which is quite frequent, btw), no more skin tests should be administered as they only increase the antibody response, even though there is no TB. In this case, when a test for TB is required, you need to let people know that you require a lung ex-ray due to a "false" postive reaction. This is usually available at your local health dpt for free if for a job screening.

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RE: TB test - 2/27/2008 10:31:42 PM

defiantbadgirl

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Thanks for all the responses. When I was a kid, I was around someone that tested positive for TB. A few months later ( I must have been about 15), I had the TB prong test and had a pretty intense reaction involving swelling and alot of itching approximately 4 days after the test. I said something about it but was told not to worry because the results had already been read. I'm 34 now and not dead so it must have been a false positive. I showed zero reaction to this test. Had my results read earlier today. I appreciate the info on a person with a strong immune system reacting even if they don't have it. That explains why I had the reaction as a kid.

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