I Administered A TB Skin Test And It Did Not Bubble Up

I'm a very new graduate nurse. I gave my very first TB skin test last week and it did not bubble up. I figured I done it wrong or went to deep. My coach said it was fine. Who's correct? Did I do it wrong?

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the accuracy and importance of a wheal forming during a TB skin test. Some members believe that without a wheal, the test must be redone for accurate results, while others mention that it can vary based on individual skin qualities. Overall, the consensus is that while a wheal is ideal, not having one does not necessarily mean the test was done incorrectly.

9 Answers

Specializes in Psych.

I have been a nurse for over 20 years. I inject the same way each time and sometimes it bubbles and sometimes it doesn't. I literally had one placed 2 days ago at patient  first for a new job ... and IT DID NOT BUBBLE. I just kept my mouth shut LOL. It happens. Please do not worry any more over it. 

Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

It happens sometimes. It will be fine. Peace!

Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

If they have TB, it will still react. I wouldn't worry too much. You probably just went a bit too deep.

Don't waste your time feeling like crap, someone else will be all too happy to do it for you! Seriously, people have different skin qualities. Older people have less elastic, thinner skin, some younger people have really thick skin...it just takes doing a couple more. Ideally you get a wheal, but if someone has TB they will react.

Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

This isn't something to beat yourself up over but evolvingrn is correct; if there is no wheal the results are not accurate and the test must be redone.

Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

You went too deep and the test should be re administered as your patient will not get an accurate result. It takes practice to administer TB tests...you will get it.

Specializes in Hospice.

If you didn't have a wheal you didn't do it right.

We were taught in school that results won't be valid without a wheal.

I guess what they say is true about things being different in the 'real world' of nursing! LOL

Ok. Thanks everybody. I feel like crap. This was supposed to be a simple task.

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