The TST is an intradermal injection. When placed correctly, the injection should produce a pale elevation of the skin a wheal 6 to 10 mm in diameter. The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration by a health care worker trained to read TST results. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration firm swelling. The reader should not measure erythema redness.
The diameter of the indurated area should be measured across the forearm perpendicular to the long axis. Some persons may react to the TST even though they are not infected with M. The causes of these false-positive reactions may include, but are not limited to, the following:. A TB blood test is the preferred method of testing for people who have received the BCG vaccine in order to prevent false-positive reactions.
Some persons may not react to the TST even though they are infected with M. The reasons for these false-negative reactions may include, but are not limited to, the following:. Most persons can receive a TST. TST is the recommended method of testing for children younger than 5 years of age. TST is contraindicated only for persons who have had a severe reaction e.
It is not contraindicated for any other persons, including infants, children, pregnant women, or persons living with HIV. In general, there is no risk associated with repeated tuberculin skin test placements. If a person does not return within hours for a tuberculin skin test reading, a second test can be placed as soon as possible.
A boosted reaction occurs mainly in previously infected, older adults whose ability to react to tuberculin has decreased over time.
When given a TST years after infection, these persons may have an initial negative reaction. However, the TST may stimulate the immune system, causing a positive or boosted reaction to subsequent tests. Vaccination with live viruses, including measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, varicella, yellow fever, BCG, and oral typhoid, may interfere with TST reactions. For persons scheduled to receive a TST, testing should be done as follows:.
There are two kinds of tests that are used to determine if a person has been infected with TB bacteria: the TB blood test and the TB skin test. The tests measure the response of TB proteins when they are mixed with a small amount of blood. Learn about some of the most common types as well as…. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious infection.
Seek immediate help if you think you've been exposed. A doctor can do a simple test to determine if you…. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterium that causes tuberculosis TB in humans.
When inhaled, the bacterium can settle in the lungs, where it…. People report drinking alcohol can cause an eczema flare. There is little research about alcohol's effects on eczema, but alcohol can affect the skin. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What happens during a TB skin test?
Identifying infection. Images of indurations. Understanding your test results. Symptoms of TB. Next steps after a positive test.
Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Medically reviewed by Adithya Cattamanchi, M. Meningeal Tuberculosis. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. The use of new effective antibiotics and public awareness has helped to significantly decrease the number of TB cases. Unfortunately, memories of earlier times are hard to erase so if you test positive for TB you may experience some personal fear in yourself and from others.
Rest assured, however, TB is curable and the treatment of TB infection does not usually involve separation from society as in times past. What is the difference in treatment between active TB or latent dormant TB?
If active TB disease is evidenced on the chest x-ray, then treatment of the disease is mandated by law to protect the public from the spread of TB. Treatment usually involves taking at least 3 pills every day for 2 months followed by 2 pills a day for another 7 months. Sputum specimens may be ordered and treatment may be adjusted by your doctor depending on the results.
It is important for the person with active TB to follow the directions of the TB nurses regarding the use of masks and isolation from the general public to prevent the spread of TB until such time it is proven that the medicine has worked to make them noninfectious. If a latent dormant TB Infection is indicated by a normal chest x-ray, treatment is voluntary and usually involves taking 2 pills an antibiotic and a vitamin for 9 months.
Once started, the series needs to be completed to prevent the formation of antibiotic-resistant TB. It is important to note, that tuberculosis treatment requires a commitment of time and a determination to complete the drug series. The full treatment of TB infection will kill the dormant germs and prevent the development of active TB later in life.
The medicines used to treat TB are strong and can sometimes affect the liver of those taking TB therapy especially if they are over the age of 35 or have a history of alcohol abuse. How does the Health Department handle treatment for active TB cases? This procedure allows the nurse an opportunity to make sure that the pills are not adversely affecting you.
What happens following treatment?
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