Tb test which arm

A negative TB skin test usually means that you don't have TB. The test is "positive" if there is a bump of a certain size where the fluid was injected. This means you probably have TB germs in your body. Most people with a positive TB skin test have latent TB infection. To be sure, your doctor will examine you and give you a chest x-ray. You may need other tests to see if you have active TB disease. The TB Tuberculosis Skin Test Mantoux This fact sheet gives information about how the skin test is given and read, and what the results mean.

What is latent TB infection? This phase can last for a very long time — even many years. TB germs are active and spreading. They are damaging tissue in your body. Your chest x-ray is usually normal. You usually feel sick. Your doctor will do special tests to find where TB is harming your body. You can't spread TB to other people. If the TB germs are in your lungs, you can spread TB to other people by coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing.

People at low risk for having TB need to have a larger bump to be diagnosed with a TB infection. This includes people who have HIV, those who have had close recent contact with a person who has active TB, and those who have symptoms or a chest X-ray that shows TB.

Other people at high risk for TB include those who take corticosteroid medicines for a long time and people who take biologics.

These are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. This includes people who have recently moved from or traveled in a country with a high rate of TB; those who use illegal drugs by injection intravenous drug users ; people who live in nursing homes; workers in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and prisons; children younger than 4 years old; children ages 4 to 18 who are exposed to high-risk adults; and homeless people. No firm bump forms at the test site, or a bump forms that is smaller than 5 mm 0.

A firm bump that is 5 mm 0. A firm bump that is 10 mm 0. A firm bump that is 15 mm 0. A positive tuberculin skin test doesn't mean you have contagious active TB. The test can't tell whether you have active or inactive latent TB. More tests—such as a chest X-ray, a sputum culture , or both—are usually done to see if you have an active TB infection.

Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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