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.

When a QED? test result is positive, a dark purple color bar forms within the measurement scale. This color is distinctly darker than the pink or orange color seen as the sample fills the device. The color bar on a positive test -- the same color seen in the QA Spot? -- develops in 2 minutes for the A150 test, in 5 minutes for the A350.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Any pink on the cotton applicator indicates nickel is present. A nickel coin contains 25% nickel and will illicit a classic positive reaction. (See photo to the right).

No. Their medical history is probably entirely different from yours. Unless there is a definite active case in the classroom & there has been contact, there is no need to be tested.

About 6 years ago, I got the BCG shot. Just a couple of weeks ago, I got the PPD / Mantoux TB skin test for a school physical. The nurse said it was positive because a 16mm bump was present...

If a student has a history of a positive Tuberculosis test, they will need to show evidence of a chest x-ray within the year of admittance to DWC. Additionally, we require documentation of medical follow-up and any drug treatment. What you should do is contact your high school or any previous college you attended, as they will may have your records if it has been less than 7 years since you graduated.

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.

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.

A positive result is indicated when there is a line in the control or "C" zone of the test, but absolutely no line whatsoever in the testing or "T" zone. For more information download the "Reading an On-Site Test/Initial vs. Confirmatory Cutoff Levels" PDF from the Tech Support page.

Testing positive for HIV means that you now carry the virus that causes AIDS. It does not mean that you have AIDS, nor does it mean that you will die as a result of the virus. Although there is no cure for AIDS, many opportunistic infections that make people sick can be controlled, prevented or eliminated. This has substantially increased the longevity and quality of life for people living with AIDS.

You will need to obtain a chest x-ray and be evaluated to determine if you have active Tuberculosis. Chest xrays will be provided at no cost; referral will then be made to your private health care provider or to a health department clinic.

A positive skin test means that a person has been infected with TB germs sometime during that person's life. It does not indicate that a person is contagious or symptomatic.