Tuberculosis test, want to know the results

Tuberculosis Test, Want to Know the Results

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a serious disease, but it can be cured with medication.

The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)

The tuberculin skin test (TST) is a simple test that can help determine if you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB. The test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the TB bacteria, into the skin of your forearm. If you have been exposed to TB, you will likely have a reaction to the tuberculin, which will appear as a raised, red bump at the injection site.

The TST is usually given in two steps:

1. The first step is the tine test. This involves pricking the skin with a needle that has been coated with tuberculin. If you have been exposed to TB, you will likely develop a small, red bump at the injection site within 24-48 hours.

2. The second step is the Mantoux test. This involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin into the skin of your forearm. If you have been exposed to TB, you will likely develop a larger, red bump at the injection site within 48-72 hours.

The size of the reaction to the TST will vary depending on how long you have been exposed to TB and how severe your infection is. A larger reaction usually means that you have been exposed to TB for a longer period of time or that your infection is more severe.

The TST is not always accurate. It can sometimes give a false positive result, which means that you will have a reaction to the test even if you have not been exposed to TB. This can happen if you have been vaccinated for TB, if you have had a recent TB infection, or if you have a weakened immune system.

The TST is also not always sensitive. It can sometimes give a false negative result, which means that you will not have a reaction to the test even if you have been exposed to TB. This can happen if you have a very mild TB infection or if your immune system is weakened.

If you have a positive TST, it does not necessarily mean that you have TB. You will need to have further testing, such as a chest X-ray or a sputum culture, to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have a negative TST, it does not necessarily mean that you have not been exposed to TB. You may have had a false negative result. If you have any symptoms of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, or night sweats, you should see your doctor for further testing.

The TST is a valuable tool for diagnosing TB. It is a simple, inexpensive test that can help determine if you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB. However, it is not always accurate or sensitive. If you have a positive or negative TST, you will need to have further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Who Should Get a Tuberculin Skin Test?

The TST is recommended for people who are at high risk of developing TB, such as:

People who have been in close contact with someone who has TB

People who live in or have traveled to areas where TB is common

People who have a weakened immune system

People who work in healthcare settings

People who inject drugs

If you are at high risk of developing TB, your doctor may recommend that you get a TST every year.

What to Do If You Have a Positive TST

If you have a positive TST, your doctor will likely recommend that you have further testing to confirm the diagnosis of TB. This may include a chest X-ray, a sputum culture, or a blood test.

If you are diagnosed with TB, you will need to take medication to treat the infection. Treatment for TB usually lasts for 6-9 months. It is important to take all of your medication as directed by your doctor. If you stop taking your medication too early, the TB bacteria may become resistant to the medication, making it more difficult to treat.

What to Do If You Have a Negative TST

If you have a negative TST, it does not necessarily mean that you have not been exposed to TB. You may have had a false negative result. If you have any symptoms of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, or night sweats, you should see your doctor for further testing.

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