Question 1

is it okay to tan after tb skin test?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is no reason to alter your schedule after a TB skin test.

Question 2

can induration on tb skin test be deep?

Accepted Answer

No: Induration produced by TB skin test is a raised bump.

Question 3

can a tb skin test be read 24 hours later?

Accepted Answer

No: It is recommended to wait for at least 48 hours before interpreting the size of the swelling arising at the site of the TB test. This is because the swelling continues to increase for the first 48 hours & that is how this test has been standardized. Please make sure that you do not get your test done on a thursday, so the 48 hours time point won't come over a weekend.

Question 4

after how many days does a tb skin test disappear?

Accepted Answer

3-5 days: The peak reaction usually occurs in the first 2-3 days. Most will resolve within 5 days. This can vary depending on the size of the initial reaction.

Question 5

how frequently should i get two-steps tb skin test?

Accepted Answer

Not frequently: Unless you are exposed in your job or it is needed for your job. Some health care workers get it yearly.

Question 6

what to do if i have a positive on my tb skin test?

Accepted Answer

Seek out information: Most will be followed first with a chest x-ray looking for active pulmonary disease. If negative, you are likely started on one  TB drug, depending on your local as treatment for latent (quiet) tb. If you are found to have active tb, you are likely started on a 4 drug program that lasts for up to a year to knock it out. Get with your doc to see.

Question 7

what if my first tb skin test doesn't show anything?

Accepted Answer

Missing info: Why do you need a second? If you are being tested because you have been exposed, a first negative test might not be conclusive since your body might not have developed immunity. If you are being tested as a matter of routine for your job, yearly follow up tests are done, if you turn positive you get treatment.

Question 8

can a person acquire an immunity to the tb skin test?

Accepted Answer

No: Fortunately not or we would not be able to perform this test on more than one occasion.

Question 9

where should i go to get a tb skin test and a physical?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculin test: If you need both physical examination and a tuberculin test, go to a primary carea  provider.

Question 10

if my tb skin test came back positive, should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Positive PPD: A positive TB skin test should be followed up with a chest xray.  If both are positive for findings, one should be treated and followed by an infectious disease specialist and take medications.  False positive skin tests can occur if previously vaccinated against TBor  infected with TB-like organisms.  Improper technique or interpretation of reaction are other causes of false positives.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Tb skin test documentation form

A member asked:

Is it okay to tan after tb skin test?

A member asked:

Can induration on tb skin test be deep?

A member asked:

Can a tb skin test be read 24 hours later?

A member asked:

After how many days does a tb skin test disappear?

A member asked:

How frequently should i get two-steps tb skin test?

A member asked:

What to do if i have a positive on my tb skin test?

A member asked:

What if my first tb skin test doesn't show anything?

A member asked:

Can a person acquire an immunity to the tb skin test?

A member asked:

Where should i go to get a tb skin test and a physical?

A member asked:

If my tb skin test came back positive, should i be worried?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?