2007-01-11 14:51:29 · 10 answers · asked by Aries 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
The purpose of tuberculin (PPD) skin testing is to identify people who have the tuberculosis germ in their bodies. Such people may feel fine and have no symptoms of tuberculosis, but may have enough tuberculosis germs to cause sickness later on.
A skin test is considered positive if there is a raised bump in the skin about the size of a dime that is present two to three days after the skin test was placed. A positive skin test means that the person has been exposed to tuberculosis and has this germ in his or her body. If this is the case, then the tuberculosis germ can become active at any time and cause illness. If the PPD test site becomes itchy or has a blister, please don’t scratch it. You can apply mild cortisone cream which is available over the counter. If you have a positive PPD skin test, you should get a chest X-ray to look for active tuberculosis, since this germ most commonly affects the lungs. You also should report any symptoms that suggesting active tuberculosis. These symptoms include long - standing cough, sweating at night or unexplained weight loss. If there is no cough and the chest xray is normal, then the condition is not likely to be contagious and won’t be spread to others. If you have none of these symptoms and have a normal chest X-ray, then you are not considered contagious and you are able to work or volunteer normally.
2007-01-11 14:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Tee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) test is just a test to see if you have been exposed to tuberculosis. Most likely you had a "wheal of erythema" which means you had a red circle where they pricked you with the needle that developed later on. This does not mean you will develop TB necessarily, but an overwhelming 80% of exposed people develop it unless they are treated, so stay on top of it and listen to your doctor's advice!
2007-01-11 15:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by gabe_library 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
PPD is the skin test to see if you have been exposed to TB. Some people show a positive because they have been around someone with TB but never develope TB. They will probably do a Chest X-Ray or another test, but don't assume you have TB, you probably don't. People who travel a lot in Mexico often test positive.
2007-01-11 14:55:20 · answer #3 · answered by Chloe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PPD = purified protein derivative, is a skin test to screen for tuberculosis. Don't panic! A positive skin test does not necessarily mean you have TB. You will need a chest X-ray along with a detailed history to find out if you have any risk factors for exposure.
2007-01-11 14:55:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey P 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a favorable TB attempt skill you've had TB in some unspecified time sooner or later on your existence. (Or had the TB vaccine, which they don't use in the U. S.). some people get over it on their own. In others it lurks of their body for years, waiting for his or her immune equipment to weaken sufficient to provide it an threat to cause them to ill. it truly is puzzling to inform once you've TB now with out an X-ray. it might nicely be your health care professional widely used you do not have TB already. it might nicely be you had TB and they cured it. (which could frequently contain 10 weeks of antibiotics.) it might nicely be no human being ever concept to point the effective TB attempt on your health care professional. (people ignore the health care professional relies upon on YOU for assistance). Or in case you lived in England you've had the TB vaccine.
2016-10-30 21:22:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An infection with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis frequently leads to a sensitivity to these antigens that make your skin swell!!
They will or SHOULD repeat it sometimes it's deceiving or a help to diagnose other underlying issues.
2007-01-11 14:56:15 · answer #6 · answered by ~Another Day~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you could have been exposed to TB. You'll have to get a chest X ray.
2007-01-11 14:54:25 · answer #7 · answered by Dianne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means that you have teberculosis. You apparently got a test where they made a small injection under your skin. If this area gets red and puffy then you have teberculosis. in some cases you could just be allergic to the vaccine itself so you may want to ask about that, i had a friend who had that happen
2007-01-11 14:55:52 · answer #8 · answered by elemenopee. 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I believe PPD is short for Postponed. Are you pregnant? Has your period been postponed this month.
...hopefully you are married
2007-01-11 14:53:55 · answer #9 · answered by Ted Arcidi 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
you have TB (tuberculosis)
2007-01-11 14:54:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋