Wednesday, May 28, 2008

How is the tuberculosis test given

How is the tuberculosis test given?
In May, I am job shadowing a doctor, and they said that in order to do it, I had to take a tuberculosis test. How is it given?
Infectious Diseases - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
They inject a small amount of tuberculosis protein into the skin on your hand. If you have been exposed to tuberculosis, you will show an immune response - the injection site will become red and inflamed after a couple days. If you have not been exposed to tuberculosis, there will be no response, no inflammation.
2 :
I've just taken the two step TB test. The first test they just injected a small amount of it into my forearm and then I had a reading 3 days later. It just looks like a small red dot. The second step is the exact same.
3 :
They stab you with this stamp like object that has several blades on it that leaves a shallow circular shaped scar on your upper arm. It doesn't hurt though. And I'm not sure what chemicals are on the device, but if you have TB it turns red and bubbly, if not it goes away in a couple days.
4 :
They will inject a fluid with deactivated TB particals under your skin on your arm. Less than a bee sting. After 3 days the test will be read by an RN or MD. Positive = bigger red bump, negative no reaction to small redness.
5 :
Most institutions use the 2 step process as outlined by G above. Don't worry if you see redness. When you have your test checked, the MD or RN is feeling for induration (firmness/hardness) and is not looking for redness. If you have firmness at the test site, they will measure it. Depending on other factors, usually induration of less then 5 mm is considered negative. If you test positive they will order a chest Xray and refer your doctor

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