Tuberculin Skin Test is a diagnostic test used to determine whether a person has been infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The test is performed by injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin of the forearm. Results are read 48 to 72 hours after the injection. A positive result indicates the presence of a tuberculosis infection, while a negative result indicates the absence of the infection.
Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has active tuberculosis (TB) disease.
Healthcare workers who are at risk of exposure to TB in their line of work.
People who have a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection or who are taking immunosuppressive medications, as they are at higher risk of developing TB disease if they are infected with the TB bacteria.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in infectious diseases or pulmonary medicine. They will evaluate the test results and determine if further testing is necessary.
If further testing is needed, the healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray or a sputum culture to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about any symptoms the patient is experiencing.
If tuberculosis is diagnosed, the healthcare provider will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important for the patient to take the medication as directed by their healthcare provider and to complete the entire course of treatment to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease. The healthcare provider will also provide education on how to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to others.
The normal range of induration after injection is between 0 to 5 mm. This means that the person has not been exposed to tuberculosis in their life, and have not acquired immunity through vaccination.. It is also possible to find a negative result in immunocompromised patients, like those with HIV.
The test is reported as positive when the diameter of induration is greater than 6mm. . A positive result means that the person has been infected in the past with M.Tuberculosis or other types of Mycobacteria. . It could also be positive in persons who have received the BCG vaccination.. A positive result does not mean that you currently have tuberculosis. It only means that you were exposed to tuberculosis at some point in the past.. Whether you currently have tuberculosis or not, is subject to clinical correlation and radiological correlation by your doctor.
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