TB Reaction?!


Question:

TB Reaction?

I just took my second TB test yesterday because my first test was questionable. They had 4 people check me and they all said it was negative and I was most likely allergic to the preservative, but they had to treat it as a positive because it was a raised bump about 9 mm in diameter. This time it's on the other arm and the heck is irritating the heck out of me. Its is really itchy. I have no prior contact with TB so am i positive or not?


Answers:

Itching sounds like a reaction. A positive test is not determined by this. It is determined only be feeling of the area for bumps. If these are felt then a chest x-ray is needed. While I cannot diagnose as a nurse nor really assess this without seeing you arm, it sounds like more of a reaction. When you have a reaction to the injection and then take another test the reaction is often worse the second time. For this reason if they thought you had a reaction the first time I am really not clear why they did a second one. A chest x-ray would have been a safer option. Any way, just have a nurse or doctor feel of it and they should be more clear with you. Certainly if it is raised again then there is some concern and a chest x-ray will have to be done.
A small little advice though, if it is found to be a reaction never let anyone do another test on you. If verification that you are free of TB is needed insist on the chest x-ray. If for employment all employers have to provide this x-ray at no cost(if they provide the TB test at no cost) and certainly if it is a condition of employment.
Hope this helps. Feel free to e-mail if I can help any further.




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