If someone waits longer than 3 days after they have gotten a TB skin test to get their results, is it accurate

Question

I actually have waited about a week since the TB skin test. Can doctors still determine if it's positive or not without me having to take it again?

Answer 1

The problem is that the test is standardized to diagnose exposure to the Tuberculosis bacterium. Your bodies greatest immune reaction to Tuberculin found in the "PPD" occurs between 48-72 hours, when a 'wheal' ( a raised red bump greater than 10 milimeters will occur if you have been exposed) will develop to identify your exposure to TB. After 3 days, the 'wheal" goes down, and you can not accurately predict your risk of exposure. (A "Red mark"as described in the other answer does not indicate exposure).
So most likely if it is truly important to determine your risk of being exposed to TB (like for a health care job, or college) it needs to be "read' by a trained person (nurse or MD) by three days of age. So it looks like you may need to have it repeated.
good luck

Answer 2

The answer is no. A positive result very well could last past the 48-72 hour period, but frequently doesn't. So if it was not read within the time frame, it will need to be restarted. A positive result is usually red, raised and round. It may appear positive but by the 3rd day look better. That is still considered negitive! Your doctor or nurse at any healthcare facility can usually read the test for you. And to the previous answer, I'm a nurse at a large hospital who happens to get to take care of tb patients at times. Lots of people test positive due to being a carrier without active disease. TB is also a gaining ground again in this country due to the ability to mutate to medications!

Answer 3

It is suppose to be read in 48-72 hours. If some one records a reaction now it is not medically correct nor accurate.

When there is a reaction to the test, the size of the reation will determine if the test is positive or negative. If there is no reaction at all the test will be read as negative. If you did have a reaction, you must ask yourself these questions; any coughing with or without chest pain or irritation?
are you coughing up mucus that is rust colored?
do you have a decrease in energy
do you have a loss of appetite?
any weight loss?

These are all symptooms of TB.

Answer 4

I had mine taken pretty recently and it tested positive. I could see the reaction 2 weeks after the test. Unless you are an immigrant or left the country, you probably won't test positive. If the skin didn't ever swell, then it is negative.

Answer 5

i guess u can go to the docter and ask him but as far as i know u can figure it out.....it leaves a small mark on ur skin where they have injected u with the test fluid...
have a healthy life..
enjoy.....