Hi. I just was tested twice for TB by a PPD shot in the forearm and both times it turned into a red, slightly raised spot about the size of a quarter. Now I have to get a chest x-ray. I'm perfectly healthy and I've never had a disease or anything wrong with me nor have I been out of the country or anywhere funky.
How on Earth could I be positive for TB!?
If I quit my perfectly wonderful job for this one and then I cannot work here or as a nurse in the future I'm going to be so upset. I hope I'm just getting all worked up because of nothing.
The nurses who evaluated my test said I could be allergic to the serum or proteins in the shot. I hope that's the case and I just get a really cool picture of my insides to keep.
that one good way to know is, where the site is, take a pen and draw it towards the site. if it stops because of the bump, try from the other side...and if the bump stops the pen mark, then it's a positive TB test. that settled our minds versus the redness mark and stuff...
Reading a Mantoux test has nothing to do with redness, it's the size of the raised area (if there is one) at the site. I was taught to "read" the test with my eyes closed -- you are more sensitive to what your fingertips are feeling, and you don't get distracted by the appearance of the site.
I took INH for the full year, didn't have any problems, I think they checked my enzymes a couple times during the year (but also questioned me for any liver sxs each month at my clinic visit).
Yay, I'm healed! No, really, I had to have a chest x-ray (my first x-ray ever) and everything turned out swell. I'm TB-free. Yay! Thanks for the answers and support. It really made me feel so much better!
I was advised not to take another shot in my arm ever again and to just immediately tell them I need an x-ray. Still have 2 faint bruised spots on my arms. Hopefully those will disappear with time. Thanks again kind folks. :)
elkpark
14,633 Posts
Reading a Mantoux test has nothing to do with redness, it's the size of the raised area (if there is one) at the site. I was taught to "read" the test with my eyes closed -- you are more sensitive to what your fingertips are feeling, and you don't get distracted by the appearance of the site.
I took INH for the full year, didn't have any problems, I think they checked my enzymes a couple times during the year (but also questioned me for any liver sxs each month at my clinic visit).