TB Skin Test?

Question

I am getting a TB skin test tomorrow for work, Is there a big chance of side effects or reactions that occur from TB tests? Sorry i know what they do during the test, but can it hurt you or can there be any side effects to it?

thanks

Answer 1

I am in school going for my Elementary Ed. degree.
I had to get one of those done a few months ago.
I am scared badly of needles.
It wasn't bad.
It is a VERY small needle, they only barely put it under your top layer of skin. It literally felt like a Mosquito bite.
She gave me the test, I got up and walked out the door to drive home.
Never phased me. You will be fine. Promise.

-Miranda

Answer 2

I have not heard of any side effects from reactions to the TB test other than mild local reactions (swelling, redness) especially if you have a positive test.

Usually it doesn't hurt much, it is a small needle and a small amount of liquid is injected intradermally (under the skin) it makes a small bubble. This bubble goes down and the skin will turn a little red, that's normal. You must wait 48-72 hrs to have the test read, you return to where you got it. Induration and swelling is a positive result (that you have been exposed to TB), a little redness is ok as long as the skin is not raised up like a welt or pimple, it's ok. When they read your test, the nurse will run her finger over your skin to make sure it's not raised at all. If it is, they will measure it, a positive result is either >5mm or >10mm of induration depending on risk factors and the physician, hospital or clinic's protocols.

However, you have to wait the full 48 hrs to read the test, my arm will get a little swelling at first too but it goes away after the first day and by the time the test is read the result is negative (no exposure to TB)

Answer 3

All you are having done is the mantaux to see if you have a reaction. If it gets to a size of a AUD 20cent piece then you will have to have the TB injection (or the other way around) which will be under the skin on the left shoulder, doesnt hurt, nothing to worry about. The actual TB injection can get itchy though

Answer 4

the only you should worry about is if you were born in another other than the US you may have had a BCG shot. a BCG shot is where a small amount of the TB virus is injected into your system to get you immuned to the virus.

If you have this BCG shot please tell the person that is giving you the shot so they can tell the MD and have a chest xray done instead of giving you the vaccine. Most times if you did get the BCG vaccine the result may be negative in which you wont have any problems but it is also common that the results may become positive in which case you would need a chest xray to follow up on result.

Answer 5

If you are positive for TB you could get a large red area, but I have been an RN over 20 years and only seen this 2 times. A little red area means nothing.

Answer 6

Is this a mantoux test? Side effects can be itching, redness, swelling which can be minor or if you have at some time in your life been in touch with TB be more severe. They are not life threatening though just uncomfortable and creams deal with the discomfort quickly.

Answer 7

It doesn't hurt any more than a mosquito bite & there are no side effects unless U R allergic. I have 1 every year.

Answer 8

There are rarely side effects and very little if any pain. Don't worry about it.

Answer 9

I believe that they just look for a local reaction to the injection, I don't believe that it will get you sick, just a small rash looking reaction.