Ppd test what does it look like

Usually treated by taking one medicine for 9 months. Treated by taking 3 or 4 medicines for at least 6 months. Don't cover the spot with a bandage or tape. Be careful not to rub it or scratch it. If the spot itches, put a cold cloth on it. You can wash your arm and dry it gently. Don't be afraid to be tested. TB can be cured! In some situations, you may need to have another TB skin test later. Protect your health and the health of your family - get a TB skin test! To get a TB skin test, contact your doctor or your public health department.

You should have a TB skin test if: you have had frequent close contact with someone who has active TB disease, you have lived in a country where many people have TB, you work or live in a nursing home, clinic, hospital, prison, or homeless shelter, or you have HIV infection or certain other health problems. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Who should get a PPD skin test? How is the PPD skin test performed? Understanding your PPD skin test results. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Chest X-Ray. Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Medically reviewed by Adithya Cattamanchi, M. Medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD.

Sputum Stain for Mycobacteria. Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN. 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. Only one visit is required to draw blood for this test. Health care providers are encouraged to use newer TB blood tests to screen for TB infection. In order to prevent false-positive reactions, TB blood tests are also the preferred method of TB testing for people 5 years of age and older who have received the BCG TB vaccine.

A diagnosis of latent TB infection is made if a person has a positive TB test result and a medical evaluation does not indicate TB disease. TB disease is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray, and other laboratory tests. TB disease is treated by taking several drugs as recommended by a health care provider.

It most often affects the lungs. The bacteria can remain inactive dormant in the lungs for many years. This situation is called latent TB. Most people in the United States who are infected with the bacteria do not have signs or symptoms of active TB. A negative reaction usually means you have never been infected with the bacteria that cause TB.

With a negative reaction, the skin where you received the PPD test is not swollen, or the swelling is very small. This measurement is different for children, people with HIV, and other high-risk groups. The PPD skin test is not a perfect screening test. A few people infected with the bacteria that cause TB may not have a reaction.

Also, diseases or medicines that weaken the immune system may cause a false-negative result. An abnormal positive result means you have been infected with the bacteria that cause TB.

You may need treatment to lower the risk of the disease coming back reactivation of the disease. A positive skin test does not mean that a person has active TB.

More tests must be done to check whether there is active disease.