How to Interpret TB Skin Test?!
Question:
How to Interpret TB Skin Test?
Hello,
I got the TB Skin test done yes'day and i see a small red color near the spot. It's visible but it's small.
How to determine whether i have TB or not? I had read that small red circle means HIV. I am afraid.
Please Help. Thanks.
Answers:
The TB test has absolutely nothing to do with HIV, so don't worry about that. And a little red spot is normal -- that's a natural side effect of the subcutaneous injection.
The TB skin test is dependent upon how big the "bump" around the injection site is after a few days (two? I forget how many.) If it's too big, you'll be referred to get a chest X-ray to see if you actually have TB. If it's small enough, the interpretation of the test will be negative.