can somebody please answer my question?

TMPaul · Jun 11, 2004

Hi, I am worried about the mantoux test that i have recieved which is the 2step because i have been getting these test for years and i just now have had it to where it is really red, not swollen but red now i know that you dont count redness, is that correct?? I have a little boy and i am afraid to go near him and breath by him b/c i have convinced myelf i have tb, the nurses have said its negative but it is a rather large redness and they said that maybe i becoming immune to the test?? can anyone shed any light to this, thanks alot!!!!
Michelle

Reddness is NOT a positive test. It simply means an allergic reaction to some part of the PPD (usually the preseravtives used). It happens quite frequently. A dose or 2 of an antihistamine will clear it up. I'm an Employee Health/Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner and see a lot of allergic reactions. It is only positive if it is indurated.

So, having said that, go and give your little guy a big hug and kiss. :)

Cynthia1950 · Jun 11, 2004

Michelle,

Is the red area hardened? You may have had a reaction to the solution. The nurses check for more than just reddness. When they nurse assessed the site, did she/he feel a hardened area? I know how upsetting this can be. What has your physician told you?

shllby1 · Jun 11, 2004

thanks for the replies, and no it is not a hardened area just red, like someone put a quarter on my arm and lifted it and it is perfectly round and red but not raised or hard, then the redness fades away within a week. My doc didnt say anything cause i didnt go to him just the nurses.

Michelle,
Is the red area hardened? You may have had a reaction to the solution. The nurses check for more than just reddness. When they nurse assessed the site, did she/he feel a hardened area? I know how upsetting this can be. What has your physician told you?

Audreyfay · Jun 11, 2004

I worked with a Health Department and did tens of thousands of TB tests and readings. You have an allergy to the preservative in the solution. I get that type of response every time I get a TB test. Do not even give it a second thought.

shllby1 · Jun 11, 2004

thanks for your reply, one more question even though i never had reactions before is that common to start getting reactions now?:)

thanks alot,

Michelle

I worked with a Health Department and did tens of thousands of TB tests and readings. You have an allergy to the preservative in the solution. I get that type of response every time I get a TB test. Do not even give it a second thought.

Audreyfay · Jun 11, 2004

Yes, I had years and years of TB tests and never got any allergic reactions and then all of a sudden.....whallah! Now I always get the redness around the TB test site. I never get any swelling (induration), but it is always real red around it. Sometimes it even bruises. But, it is always negative because it is not raised, just red.

shel_wny · Jun 12, 2004

I just had a PPD test for TB for the first time ever and it became slightly raised and red, about the size of a quarter. It itched a bit and I found that Cortizone 10 worked wonderfully. The nurses said I was probably allergic to the serum or proteins in the shot. One chest x-ray later I was pronounced negative for TB. So don't worry. :)

Shel

Cynthia1950 · Jun 14, 2004

thanks for the replies, and no it is not a hardened area just red, like someone put a quarter on my arm and lifted it and it is perfectly round and red but not raised or hard, then the redness fades away within a week. My doc didnt say anything cause i didnt go to him just the nurses.

Hi,

You DID NOT have a positive TB test. There are several reasons this test became reddened, but I am betting that you probably had a reaction to the solution. In the future, when you must undergo the PPD test-inform whoever gives you the test about the reddness.

Take care!!!!