Tuberculin Skin Test

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? The tuberculin skin test is a test to see if your body ever carried the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis is an infection that usually starts in the lungs. TB germs are easily spread to others when a person with TB coughs or sneezes. You may have breathed TB germs into your lungs. TB germs can live in your body without making you sick. But, you may get sick with TB later. The simplest way to tell if you have TB germs in your body is to have a skin test.

During your TB test: For the test, a small amount of special liquid is put into the skin. Your skin test is positive in 2 to 3 days if the area around the skin test is raised, red, or hard. A negative test is one with no skin changes in 2 to 3 days.

Care: Follow your caregiver's directions for your TB skin test. Your skin must be checked 2 to 3 days after the test. In some people, the TB skin test may be negative even when they have TB. Some people are at high risk for getting TB and need more tests. Your caregiver may want you to return to do this test again. Or you may need to have other tests.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your lab tests. You can then discuss the results with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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