Tuberculosis Skin Test Weakly Positive
A tuberculosis (TB) skin test is a medical test used to check for prior exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. The test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the tuberculosis bacteria, into the skin of the forearm. The test is read 48 to 72 hours later, and a raised, hardened area at the injection site indicates a positive result.
A weakly positive TB skin test means that the person has a small amount of swelling at the injection site, typically between 5 and 9 millimeters (mm) in diameter. This result can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Recent exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. People who have been recently exposed to tuberculosis bacteria may have a weakly positive skin test. This is because their immune system has not yet had enough time to develop a strong reaction to the bacteria.
Past exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. People who have been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria in the past may also have a weakly positive skin test. This is because their immune system has developed some immunity to the bacteria, but not enough to prevent them from becoming infected again.
Vaccination with the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that is used to prevent tuberculosis. People who have been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine may have a weakly positive skin test. This is because the vaccine contains a small amount of live tuberculosis bacteria, which can cause the immune system to react.
A weakly positive TB skin test does not necessarily mean that a person has active tuberculosis. However, it does mean that the person has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria and may be at risk for developing active TB. People with a weakly positive TB skin test should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine if they need further testing or treatment.
What to do if you have a weakly positive TB skin test
If you have a weakly positive TB skin test, your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you have a chest X-ray to look for signs of active TB. They may also recommend that you have a blood test to measure your immune response to tuberculosis bacteria.
If your chest X-ray and blood test are negative, your healthcare provider may recommend that you have a repeat TB skin test in 6 to 12 months. This is to check for any changes in your immune response to tuberculosis bacteria.
If your repeat TB skin test is also weakly positive, your healthcare provider may recommend that you have a course of preventive treatment for TB. This treatment involves taking antibiotics for 6 to 9 months.
Treatment for active tuberculosis
If you are diagnosed with active tuberculosis, your healthcare provider will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Treatment for active TB typically involves taking antibiotics for 6 to 9 months. It is important to take all of your antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Stopping your antibiotics early can lead to the development of drug-resistant TB, which is more difficult to treat.
Prevention of tuberculosis
The best way to prevent tuberculosis is to get vaccinated with the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine that is given to infants and children in many countries around the world. The vaccine is very effective at preventing severe forms of TB, such as meningitis and miliary TB.
Other ways to prevent tuberculosis include:
Avoiding contact with people who have active TB
Using a face mask when you are in close contact with someone who has active TB
Staying away from crowded places
Getting enough rest
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
If you have any symptoms of tuberculosis, such as a cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, or fever, see your healthcare provider right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB can help to prevent serious complications.
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