The TB Test - Tuberculosis Skin Test (also known as the Tuberculin or PPD test)
The tuberculosis skin test (also known as the tuberculin or PPD test) is a test used to determine if someone has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). We provide on-site TB skin testing for groups such as allied health schools and child day care center workers and employers. Our onsite TB Testing service is cost efficient and a dependable source of annual or episodic TB testing. Our Employee Health Services allow local companies in Dallas Forth Worth to customize our services to fit most company’s Employee Health Service’s needs.
Article by: Webmd.com
What Is the Tuberculin Skin Test?
TB is short for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or tuberculosis. It’s a bacteria that tends to attack the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, like the kidneys, the spine, or the brain.
Many people who have TB don’t have any symptoms. They have what doctors call “latent TB.” The tuberculin skin test (also called the Mantoux tuberculin test) can tell if you have this form of the infection.
Here’s how it works: Your doctor uses a small needle to inject some harmless fluid called tuberculin under the skin on your arm. In 2 or 3 days, he’ll check your arm.
What Do the Results Mean?
After the waiting period has passed, you may have a hard, raised bump at the site of the injection. That means you likely have TB germs in your body. Your doctor may do more tests to be sure. These could include blood tests or an X-ray of your chest. He may also want to test your sputum -- that’s the gunk you cough up. Urine or tissue samples can also tell your doctor if the TB germs have begun to spread, or become “active.”
If there’s no bump at the injection site (or a very small one), that likely means you don’t have TB. But if you were infected recently, your body’s natural defenses (your immune system) may not react to the skin test just yet. In that case, your doctor may want you to have another TB skin test in 8 to 10 weeks.
Ameri Immunization & Wellness Center is designed to accent services for the Dallas, Collin, and surrounding counties. With our convenient central location and flexible onsite delivery system. You can reach us through leaving your information on our Contact Us page or give us a call at 1-877-512-5442 or send an email at info@ameriimmunization.com.