i had a tb skin test on wednesday. the area is red with a flat circle. the circle is not swollen on raised.?

Question

should i be concerned?

Answer 1

A positive result will be swolllen. Also feel to see if it is hot. A positive result will also be warm. What you need to do is go back to the doctor and have them look at it. They should do that after 2 days anyway.

But don't worry, even if it is positive it doesn't mean that it's active or that you even have it. It will show a positive just by you being exposed. Regardless, with a positive test you will still need to be treated by meds. And make sure you take them all if that's the case.

Answer 2

A positive skin test results in a raised bump (induration) at the point of administration. The size of the induration determines whether the skin test is considered significant.
A positive (now called "significant") reaction indicates infection with TB. It is important to understand that there is a difference between being infected with TB and having TB disease. Someone who is infected with TB has the TB germs, or bacteria, in their body. The body's defenses are protecting them from the germs, and they are not sick. Someone with TB disease is sick and may be able to spread the disease to other people. A person with a significant skin test needs to see a doctor to determine what further tests and treatment may be necessary. Chest x-rays, sputum tests and other tests are used to determine whether the positive reaction is associated with TB disease.

See site for more info.

Answer 3

Personal Experience: I too had a red reaction last year to my TB test site, I found through the State Health Department that my Clinical Department actually went too deep in the tissue and caused a negative- positive reaction. After 5 days the State retested me and did chest x-rays, I passed as negative. They thought I may have a slight allergy to eggs due to the red skin tone, without a raise. Good Luck and know you can always turn to the professionals in your local Health Department, they were professional, caring and just terrific to me.

Answer 4

a positive skin test for an otherwise healty person would have to have an induration (a raised area) of at leat 15mm. If you are immunocompromised an induration of 5 may be positive. If you do have a positive PPD it does not mean that you have TB it just means that you have been exposed. Diagnosis in confirmed through chest x ray and sputum culture.