skin test for TB

[sunu002]

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If a person was once exposed to TB, for how long his skin test will show positive result? I would appreciate the response. Thanks.

 

[Tstarfish]

Once you have had a positive TB skin test, it is not necessary to have another one the next time there is a question of your exposure to TB. Your PPD reaction will usually remain positive, and the skin reaction to subsequent TB skin tests may become increasingly severe.

Basically- you will need a chest x-ray every 5 years instead--unless you have active TB and then you are on medications for months....

Google it--you will find lots of answers

 

[sunu002]

Once you have had a positive TB skin test, it is not necessary to have another one the next time there is a question of your exposure to TB. Your PPD reaction will usually remain positive, and the skin reaction to subsequent TB skin tests may become increasingly severe.

Basically- you will need a chest x-ray every 5 years instead--unless you have active TB and then you are on medications for months....

Google it--you will find lots of answers

I appreciate your response. Thanks Tstarfish, so if someone does the skin test after say 15 yrs..they may still show positive result for skin right,That is ruled out by chest Xray? Is it a likelihood that he may show positive skin test whole life(?)

 

[Huggies]

You will always have a positive skin test if you were exposed to it. I was vaccinated against TB (probably 30 yrs ago), and the last test I had my arm was swollen for 3wks, my specialist said if somebody forces me to have the test done again, I should sue them. It wasn't fun. Now for my residency they want me to have the test done again and a chest x-ray. I swear, I'll be glowing by the time I'm 50. This time I'm saying no, how many chest x-rays can a person have in 10yrs. We'll see how far that takes me.

 

[tinman831]

SDN is not the place to solicit medical advice. Please contact your physician with any questions you may have.