what does a positive TB test look like?

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I think your talking about the Mantoux test(skin test). They check you 48-72 hours after it is injected under your skin(normal the forearm). The size of the induration( or whelp as you may call it) shows whether or not you have been exposed to bacteria that causes TB. It does not however tell you if you have an active case or if it is dormant. Only a chest x-ray can do that. Here's how to read it, A induration less that 5 mm is seen to be negative unless you are immune suppressed (like AIDS or other diseases), greater than 5mm is a good indication that you have been exposed to the bacteria. A chest x-ray and sputum culture would be next in line to see if you have an active case. They are looking for the acid-fast bacilli that cause TB.

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what kind of test? there are several test for TB (tubercle bacilli). It could be a culture test (out of Sputum) or the prick test.

There are different tests for TB like man-too test, sputum test etc all show different results depending upon tests. First Read greg31463 Answer.

Mantoux test(skin test) also called PPD Test results are divided in 3 groups:
1) for the people that has no risk factors (like AIDS or Diabetes) if PPD goes further 15 mm its abnormal.
2) for the people with low Risk Factors (like IV Drug Abusers) if PPD goes further than 10 mm, u may doubt for TB.
3) for high risks, any amount of PPD maybe an alarm for TB (even 2mm), this people includes People with immune system deficiency, Like HIV +s.

remember the Induration of a PPD test is important and not only the Size of redness.

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what does a positive TB test look like?

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