Annual TB skin test. Concerned.

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Hey everyone!

I work as RN in a large hospital. Part of our annual requirements is to complete TB skin test. I got mine done today( last one i had in March 2006)

I've noticed something weird about it though that got me concerned.

With every TB skin test my red mark around the test site is increasing in size.

As a teenage I could hardly see where i was stuck with a needle-there was literally NOTHING.

Nowdays every time i do the test-it feels like the reaction is getting worse.

I had my test this morning and the site is really red and kinda large, very slightly elevated.

I am concerned and just wanted to know why my reaction is worse every year?

Thanks

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Specializes in ICU.

The test needs to be evaluated after 48 to 72 hours. Only then they can tell you if it is a positive reaction. If it is more than a few millimeters wide at that time, it is a positive.

This does not mean you have TB!!! But you will require a chest xray before they will clear you.

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Do you think reaction decreases with every day or increases?

I am so scared to test positive, I've always been negative without any doubts.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

sometimes I have noticed that my tb test site has been very red on the day of test but settled down to nl in 48 hours. so don't worry

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

If you are truly concerned, I would strongly recommend you take this situation to your doctor or employee health nurse and discuss this with him/her.

We at allnurses.com cannot offer advice of a medical nature, and this falls into that category.

Please, go see your doctor/health care provider for reassurance or advice. I wish you the best of health and good luck.

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