Tuberculosis PPD test

[jello5]

I recently had a TB PPD test.  What does a positive indication look like?  I went into the doctor 2 days after and she said it was fine, but recently noticed a 1/2 inch red spot, small inflamation (inflammation), all of it a little firmer than my skin.  Is this positive?  I cant have it rechecked until Monday, but I heard if it is positive, it will remain for about a week (I had the test on Tuesday).  Thanks for any info.

[star queen]

A positive TB test will look like a redness about the size of a pea with a slight rise.  It will react within 72 hours.  If your site is still red and inflammed, it could be that the site was not prepared correctly with alcohol before  it was done and you have an inflammation related to a "dirty" site.  If you are positive it doesn't mean you have TB, just that you have been exposed to TB and have developed antibodies.  Once you have antibodies, you will always test positive, so xrays will be ordered instead of the PPD to check for TB in the future.  I'm glad you are going to the MD just to be sure.

[AndiJ78]

Exactly, follow up with your doc. they will most likely order chest x-rays to confirm or dispute the test. Over the course of a three year period, I saw/read myself quite a few (+) results on tb tests, but only ever had one case of active TB confirmed by x-ray.

Good luck,
Andi