Question about tb skin test

RN2010LW · May 31, 2008

I have had alot of TB tests done for various classes and employers. They don't usually hurt. The needle is inserted at an angle right below the skin, all of mine were on my forearm. It just feels like a small......not even a poke really......it's not bad at all. The fluid makes a small bumb about the size of a mosquito bite. Then I would say with in an hour or two the bump is gone.

hearts895, RN BSN · May 31, 2008

I had one done because I was going to do a CNA course too (dropped that plan for logistical reasons because I am transferring to a new school) and I didn't find it that painful. LCNRN2B described it well - a little needle is inserted at an angle into your forearm and you get a little raised bump for a few hours. Just be sure to ask for an cotton ball to dab it lightly if you have to and don't put your hoodie or coat on for a little bit - they wouldn't put a bandaid on it and for some reason I bled quite a bit at first, although that could just be me! Don't worry, its way better than most shots! :)

NWGeorgiaFutureRN · May 31, 2008

They put a needle right under your skin and it makes a "water bubble" for a while. It could get red/hard, but dont panic (like I did). Mine was huge and hard, I thought I had to have TB or something because it was not normal. The nurse said it looked like an allergic reaction, but not a positive.

MsOptimistic · May 31, 2008

I got one about 3 wks ago and it was a piece of cake. they just stick a small needle under your skin and it makes a bubble. Nothing compared to a regular shot!

Natingale, EdD, RN · May 31, 2008

OMG IT HURT SOOOOOOO BAD I WAS IN TEARS :no:

lol jk, ive had knots in my hair that hurt more than that. Just dont look at it, cause it looks weirder than it feels. Dont worry about it!

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · May 31, 2008

It's a 0.1 mL intradermal injection in which a small bleb (actual term, I swear) is made, resembling a blister.

It must be read at 48 to 72 hours after administration, and interpretation is made based on the diameter of any potential indurated (firm, raised) area present.

coolpeach · May 31, 2008

I had a TB test done about a month ago. The one I had was different it's called the TB Tyne and its slightly different. Instead of a needle its a small metal piece with 4 tiny little prongs sticky out that he presses on your skin. The prongs already have the vaccine in them. They are so tiny and barely break the skin it really doesn't hurt at all (a shot is much worse). It makes a perfect square with four tiny red dots on each corner (smaller than an ant bite). The dots are gone within a couple of hours. If you have TB the dots will grow larger and become one big red circle on your arm. Its nothing to worry about I bet you even had one as a child and dont remember it.

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · May 31, 2008

You got a tine test in America? They're considered less reliable and are not the recommendation of the CDC or the WHO. I'm surprised somebody is still offering them.

rayele · Jun 1, 2008

It's no big deal. It's like a little prick and you're done. Howeve, if you have ever been immunized againt TB ( mostly people born outside of America) tell the nurse to just give you a chest x-ray instead. I forgot I got immunized for it when I was young in London-needless to say I had a reaction. My arm got swollen about 3 inches and a slight bump which was itcy, irritating and blistered. My co-workers kept looking at me as though I had a disease or something. I even began freaking out thinking I had T.B. All this could have been avoided had I remembered. They gave me a chest x-ray which came back clear.

Other than that the actual Test is fine. You have to come back 4-7 days later for the Nurse to see how it looks. In some cases they do it again to insure it's not a False Neg or False Positive

Hope that helps

NurseJeanB · Jun 2, 2008

Yup, intradermal (which is just under the skin) with a very small needle at 10-15 degree angle (goes in very shallow)It shouldn't be painful.

shrimpchips, LPN · Jun 3, 2008

I'm TERRIFIED of needles (that are going into me...giving injections - which I had to do on my father [lovenox] after he had a stroke - doesn't bother me) and this is such a relief! Thanks everyone! :)