Tuberculosis Skin Test: What is Normal Redness and Swelling?
Introduction
The tuberculosis (TB) skin test is a simple and effective way to check for past or present TB infection. The test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin, a protein derived from the TB bacteria, into the skin. If you have been infected with TB in the past, your body will react to the tuberculin by producing a raised, red, and swollen area at the injection site. This reaction is known as a positive TB skin test.
How is the TB Skin Test Performed?
The TB skin test is performed by a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will cleanse the skin on your forearm and then inject a small amount of tuberculin into the skin. The injection is usually given on the inside of the forearm, just below the elbow.
What are the Normal Reactions to the TB Skin Test?
After the tuberculin is injected, you may experience some redness and swelling at the injection site. This is a normal reaction to the test. The redness and swelling usually begin to appear within 24 to 48 hours after the injection and reach their peak within 48 to 72 hours. The reaction typically fades away within a few days.
How is the TB Skin Test Interpreted?
The size of the reaction to the TB skin test is used to determine whether or not you have been infected with TB. The reaction is measured in millimeters (mm). A reaction of 5 mm or more is considered positive. A reaction of less than 5 mm is considered negative.
What Does a Positive TB Skin Test Mean?
A positive TB skin test means that you have been infected with TB in the past or present. However, a positive TB skin test does not necessarily mean that you have active TB disease. You may have a positive TB skin test if you have been vaccinated against TB or if you have been exposed to TB but have not developed active disease.
What Does a Negative TB Skin Test Mean?
A negative TB skin test means that you have not been infected with TB in the past or present. However, a negative TB skin test does not completely rule out the possibility of TB infection. You may still have TB if you have a weak immune system or if you have been recently exposed to TB.
What if I have a Positive TB Skin Test?
If you have a positive TB skin test, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to determine if you have active TB disease. These tests may include a chest X-ray, a sputum culture, and a blood test.
What if I have a Negative TB Skin Test?
If you have a negative TB skin test, your healthcare provider may recommend that you be vaccinated against TB. The TB vaccine is available for both children and ***s.
Who Should Get a TB Skin Test?
The TB skin test is recommended for people who:
Have been exposed to someone with active TB disease
Have symptoms of TB disease, such as a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, or fever
Have a weakened immune system
Are from a country where TB is common
Travel to countries where TB is common
How Can I Prevent TB?
TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can prevent TB by:
Getting vaccinated against TB
Avoiding contact with people who have active TB disease
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Getting tested for TB if you have been exposed to someone with active TB disease
Conclusion
The TB skin test is a simple and effective way to check for past or present TB infection. The test is typically performed by a healthcare professional and involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin into the skin. The reaction to the test is used to determine whether or not you have been infected with TB. If you have a positive TB skin test, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to determine if you have active TB disease.
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