We use a two-step TB test. On the first day, the test is delivered to your forearm; 48 hours later a nurse "reads" the results of your skin test. The visits are brief, but you must be sure to schedule them so that you can return 48 hours later for a reading.

A positive TB test means that someone has been exposed to the TB germ and follow up evaluation is needed. Once a positive TB test has been confirmed to be truly positive, there is no point in having repeat TB tests in the future. They will not hurt you, or cause disease, but will always continue to be positive. BCG vaccine (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) used in countries where TB is endemic, can decrease the severity of TB in children but will not prevent TB infection. See similar questions...

You may obtain TB/PPD testing from your own healthcare provider or you may visit Children's Hospital’s Employee Health department during drop-in hours for free testing. You do not need an appointment to come in during these times: Remember to bring your Volunteer Health Clearance form when you come for your appointment. Each TB/PPD test is a two-step process and requires two short visits 48 hours apart, so plan your schedule accordingly. See similar questions...

A positive TB test is red & raised. This 'induration' varies from person to person, depending on exposure history, country of birth, and BCG history. Usually anything over 10 mm induration is considered positive, although 5 mm may also be considered positive in some circumstances, eg. immune suppressed persons or close contact with infectious TB. See similar questions...

The TB skin test can be falsely negative (e.g., show no reaction) in students who may have been infected recently (in the past several weeks). The TB germ grows slowly and your body’s immune system takes time to react to it. Therefore, when screening students who have been recently exposed to a person with active TB, you need to repeat the TB skin test 10 weeks later to be sure that you have not been infected with TB. See similar questions...

If you have a negative skin test, you need a repeat test at least every four years. If you have a documented positive skin test, you must have an initial chest X-ray. After that, you still need to be screened every four years. You must present, either a certificate from a health provider stating that you are free from communicable TB, or have your chest Minimum state regulations require TB screening every 4 years. See similar questions...

The TB skin test uses a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD), which is a substance that your body’s immune system will respond to by creating a bump at the skin test site when you have TB. See similar questions...

A small amount of PPD is injected with a small needle just under the skin on the forearm. This area of the arm is checked 2-3 days after the injection to see if a bump develops. A nurse or physician needs to measure the size of the bump to see if you have a positive skin test. A positive skin test does NOT mean that a person has active TB, but usually means that a person has been exposed to TB at some point in the past. The skin test may be repeated twice in some groups (e.g. See similar questions...

a part-time teacher at a church-run pre-school so have been extensively tested and screened for both security and health, to include a criminal background check and recent TB test. I am also happy to provide personal and professional references as necessary. See similar questions...

A 2-step TB test gives a more accurate baseline reading if a person has been in contact with active TB or had a BCG vaccination in the remote past. A person needs only one 2-step mantoux. Thereafter a single mantoux should be accurate if the person is healthy. See similar questions...

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a germ (called the tubercle bacterium or Mycobacterium tuberculosis). TB usually affects the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes (glands), the bones and (rarely) the brain. Infection with the TB germ may not develop into TB disease. See similar questions...

A positive skin test means that the germ that causes TB has caused an infection in your body. About 25,000 of the 250,000 people in Santa Cruz County have a positive skin test. You will need to get another test, a chest X-ray, to see if you are one of the 20 people out the 25,000 whose infection is advanced and who has TB disease. Only the few who have TB disease are contagious to others, and with treatment they can be cured and not spread the disease. See similar questions...

The person with a positive TB skin test who has no signs or symptoms of TB cannot give the TB germ to anyone else. The positive TB skin test indicates only that the person may have been exposed to the TB germ. It does not mean that they have TB disease. The Health Department is notified about all persons suspected of having or diagnosed with active TB disease which can be passed on to another person. See similar questions...