I had an TB skin test performed on Friday?!
Question:
I had an TB skin test performed on Friday?
i accidently scratched the area and they thought it was positive and i had to get a chest x-ray . They haven't called me back with the results , should i worry? The x-ray was performed Monday.
Additional Details3 weeks ago
I don't cough up blood ,or cough , i have a healthy appetite and i haven't lost any weight. I just figured if i haven't heard anything by now that everything must be fine.
Answers:
The most important question here is: did you tell your doctor that you scratched the area accidentally?
As many have pointed out, even if the Mantoux (skin) test is positive, it doesn't mean you have active TB; it only means that you (like 1/3 of the world) have been exposed to TB, and this TB will probably not cause you a single problem for the remainder of your life!
On the other hand, if you do have TB (and they'll need more than an X-ray to test that - they'll probably ask for sputum - the stuff you cough up), the TB should be readily treatable, even if the treatment lasts 6-9 months.