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TB Screening Test


Why is this procedure done?


Tuberculosis is also called TB. It is an illness caused by germs that usually affect your lungs. You can catch TB from anyone who is sick with TB. It spreads easily through the air. You may not even know you have been around someone with TB. ‚  
TB screening tests are not done on everyone. They are used to screen people who are at a high risk for having been exposed to someone with TB. You may need a TB screening test: ‚  
  • To see if you have TB
  • When you start a new job or school
  • If you have lived in a country where TB is common
  • If you are at high risk for TB
  • To go along with other tests

What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
  • If the results are negative, it may mean you have not been exposed to TB. It may also mean that you likely do not have an illness with TB. It may also mean that your immune system did not react to the test. Your doctor may want to check another test to confirm these results.
  • If the results are positive, you have likely been exposed to the TB germ. You may still need to have another test to find out about your health problem.
  • The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

What happens before the procedure?


  • There are no special things to do before the test.
  • Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Some drugs may affect the test results.
    • If you have any bleeding problems
    • If you have any sickness, illnesses, or diseases
    • If you have had surgery
    • If you are taking any steroids, chemotherapy, or drugs that might affect your immune system
    • If you have ever had a transplant
    • Where you work or any groups that you spend time with
    • If you have had any shots in the last 6 months
    • If you have ever had a positive TB test before

What happens during the procedure?


Step 1 ¢ ˆ ’ Skin Test ‚  
  • Your lower arm is cleaned and a small needle is used to place a few drops of solution under the first layer of your skin.
  • The fluid looks like a small bubble or blister just under your skin.
  • Leave your skin uncovered. Do not scratch or pick at your skin.

Step 2 ¢ ˆ ’ Evaluation ‚  
  • In 2 to 3 days, have your arm looked at by a trained health worker. They will look for redness, swelling, and signs of a local skin reaction.
  • You must return to a trained health worker within the 2 to 3 day time period. Otherwise, the test will need to be done again.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
  • Ask your doctor when you will get the results.

What care is needed at home?


You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have TB. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Rash
  • Redness
  • Blister
  • Bruising

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tb-skin/tab/test/ ‚  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/testing/skintesting.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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