TB Test Question

Hi A.! I do this for a living :) She should have a lump where the shot is given that goes away about 20min after it is given. It needs to be "read" 48-96 hours later. When it is read they are looking for an induration or lump not the redness that may be there. If the lump is below 5mm in a person 4 years and older it is negative. If the lump is between 5-9mm in a person 4 years and older it is questionable and needs to be repeated. If it is 10mm or larger it is a positive result and chect x-rays need to be taken.

The repeat can be done at anytime unless she had a live vaccine at the same time as hte TB test such as Varicella or MMR. If that is the case she has to wait 4-8weeks to be re-tested because they can be given on the same day but after that they need to sepersted.

Hope this helps and get back to me if you have any questions :)
C.

First, change your subject to TB rather than TP and you may get some more responses. I clicked on this thinking you had a question about toilet paper and I was curious! LOL

Anyway, I'd go to your Dr. and get her re-tested as soon as you are allowed. I assume you need the TB test for school?

It seems like the clinic you went to was a waste of your time, you really didn't get an answer.

Your scenario has not happened to my children. I delay/selectively/minimally vax (I am very wary of injecting them with anything, because any shot and their ingredients can give them or anyone a reaction). I will say that I got myself the TB skin test because my local elementary school required it to volunteer in the classroom Sept. 2006. My left arm never showed a bump, but my entire arm has not felt right since. There is a vague "something" there in my entire left arm. I'm really angry at myself for doing it. After having it done, I did some research and found there was a non-injection TB test (they draw blood) and online news reports said it was more accurate than the standard skin tests. Apparently, the more you get tested, you risk a more positive response with subsequent tests. When I mentioned this new test to my doctor 2 years ago, she never heard of it! That goes to show you that doctors don't know everything. The test is called QuantiFERON TB GOLD TEST. http://www.cdc.gov/tb/pubs/tbfactsheets/QFT.htm
Talk to your pediatrician about re-testing in 6 months. If I were you and I had to retest, I'd use QuantiFERON. And BTW, I have refused this test for my children (8 & 3) because I know for a fact they have simply NOT been exposed to it. I don't work/live with homeless people... we simply don't live in an environment where this is spread. It's * possible * (anything is possible) but in my case unlikely.

Gee A. I'm a little confused. Who was this at the health clinic? Their cleaning lady? lol Well yeahhhh she felt a bump! The TB injection itself,is suppose to produce a pale elevation of your skin.unbelievable... Thats how they test for the TB.They measure in millimeters,the (size of that bump.) She isn't suppose to measure the redness.Did she even measure it? I do know,that she is suppose to have a bump,and some redness,and if its very small,thats a good sign.I think I'd opt for the extra wait to see your Ped. next time.: ) The best to you and your sweet daughter.

A., I think you should take your daughter to the Pediatrician. The nurses can check it out and probably give you a better response. Plus I'm sure knowing will make you feel more comfortable. Why wait 6 months to find out if you can find out now. Good Luck!