PPD skin test

[william803]

I have my PPD skin test 48 hours ago, there is redness (slight) but I can barely see the induration. At first glance, you would not notice any induration. I have to touch it or see it sidewise so you could notice the induration. Its very hard to measure because I can barely see the induration. I do not know if it is really an induration. My question is how severe is the induration before you could say it is a significant one? Redness is very light. I tried to measure it (looking sidewise), roughly (hard to tell) 10mm. Does this mean I have tuberculosis? Could you send me pictures of a significant induration so I can compare it with mine. Thank you

[vvrlrao]

A related discussion, TB was started.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Induration is measured on the basis of touch, not sight.  The best compromise between false-negative and false-positive readings is deemed to be 10 mm of induration.  The great majority of persons who have been infected at some time in the past will show a response to 5 Tuberculin Units, of 10 mm or greater but still with a small proportion of infected persons having induration of 9 mm or less.  Induration of 9 mm or less can also be caused by what are called Atypical or Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria or caused by the prior administration of what is called BCG.   Redness is not considered in interpreting the test result.  

You should request that the induration be interpreted by those who administered your test.

Having a truly positive test does not mean that you have active tuberculous; only that you have had the TB bacterium in your lungs at some time in the past and that those organisms are responsible for your skin sensitivy, skin test-positivity.

Sorry but we can’t send you a picture.  Such a photo could be found on the Web.  Try this site:  http://health.kosmix.com/topic/Pictures_Positive_Tb_Tests?p=hl&as=yhoo&ac=442  Then Images for Pictures Positive TB Tests.

The diagnosis of TB is generally confirmed by Chest X-ray, sputum “smears” and sputum culture for the organism.

[Lori707]

You had a Mantaux skin test. Don't touch it. It can also get larger up to 72hrs. and if it does, go back to the doctor that day so he can see it. The Mantaux test can come out positive if you don't have TB because it can pick up other mircrorganizims. The size of the bump on your skin determins if it's positive and is read differently depending what state or region you live in or if you've been traveling out of America.

To be absolutely sure if you're positive or negative for TB, PLEASE take the QuantemFerum Gold blood test. (not sure if I spelt it right). If your doctor never heard of it, then that's outragious!  Insurance companies are using this test.

My Mantaux test came out positive at 10mm after 48hrs and 17mm after 72hrs. I then had the Quantum test and it came out negative.