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...

A simple, painless skin test is used to screen for tuberculosis. This test is offered free of charge by the Health Department. Should the test be positive, you may have a chest X-ray to see if there are any abnormalities in the lungs. 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...

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...

We offer TB skin tests every week and follow-up tests and treatment for those who test positive. Field TB testing is available for groups. A speaker is available to make presentations about TB. See similar questions...

If you have a positive reaction to the TB test, the health district will schedule a chest x-ray. A test of the phlegm you cough up may be required after your x-rays are reviewed. If you have latent TB infection, you may need to take medicine to keep from developing active TB disease. 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 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...

The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test (Celestis Inc, Australia) was approved by the FDA in 2005 as a means of diagnosing tuberculosis. The CDC considers the test to be an acceptable alternative to skin testing. The test is performed by incubating the patient's blood for 16-24 hours with synthetic peptides representing two M. tuberculosis- specific antigens. See similar questions...

Tuberculosis is passed from one person to another only through sharing the same air with someone who is actually sick with TB disease. This is commonly referred to as "airborne" transmission. Someone with a positive skin test who is sick with TB would likely have any combination of the following symptoms of TB: A person who has a positive skin test, a normal chest x-ray, and no symptoms of TB has latent TB infection. This is not a contagious infection and you can't catch TB from this person. See similar questions...

A positive test indicates TB infection, but cannot distinguish between latent and active disease. The cut-off point for a positive reaction depends on the person's overall risk: Diabetes, silicosis, chronic kidney disease, leukemias and lymphomas, lung cancer, carcinomas of the head and neck, gastrectomy, jejunoileal bypass, underweight by = 10% ideal body weight. 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...

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...