Positive ppd what does it mean

They will check the injection site for any signs of an immune reaction. If a person receives the injection but does not return for their results within the specific timeframe, they will need to have the test again. It is unlikely that someone having this test will experience any side effects, although swelling, blistering, or ulcers are possible at the injection site. If any of these side effects occur, they should resolve within a few weeks with no long-term scarring or complications.

A healthcare professional will measure the induration, which is the raised, swollen, red area. A small area of induration denotes a negative result. A larger area of induration signifies a positive result. However, the individual will require further testing to determine whether they have a latent or active infection. It is also possible to have a false positive or false negative reaction to the test.

There are many reasons why this could happen. A false negative can occur if:. The PPD skin test is a simple test that can help screen for tuberculosis, a severe infectious disease.

By injecting a small sample of the tuberculosis protein under the top layer of the skin, healthcare professionals can determine whether someone has had exposure to the bacteria that cause the disease. People should speak with their doctor regarding any concerns that they have about their risk for TB or their test results.

Tuberculosis is the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. An upper respiratory infection affects the nose and throat and causes symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Learn how to identify, treat, and…. The TB bacteria can thus go undetected for years. This latent TB phase can last days, weeks, months, or years. Latent TB means that you have a TB infection, but the bacteria are not active yet or causing symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic , about 2 billion people in the world have latent TB.

On the other hand, active TB means that the bacteria started dividing and growing inside your tissues. Typically, the TB bacteria need a lot of oxygen, so they prefer living inside lung tissue where fresh oxygen is always available.

Active Tb means you are contagious, and you will experience symptoms. Some symptoms of active TB include:. Unchecked, TB can also affect other parts of your body including kidneys, spine, and brain. It is important to talk to your doctor immediately after a positive skin test result to get a treatment plan in place. Indurations that indicate a positive PPD test looks different for different kinds of people. Your previous health-related issues, plus your lifestyle can both affect your positive reading.

For a healthy person who has a normal immune system, a pea sized hard swelling develops under the skin. If there is no induration present at the site of the test, you most likely do not have TB. However, factors, such as viral infections, vaccinations , certain diseases, or medications, could generate a false negative or false positive result for a Tuberculin skin test. People who are on chemotherapy treatments, have the AIDS virus, or use steroids can experience a false negative result.

Testing for TB infection may generate a false positive on people who got the BCG vaccine when they were younger. Your provider will check the area to see if you have had a strong reaction to the test.

Tell your provider if you have ever had a positive PPD skin test. If so, you should not have a repeat PPD test, except under unusual circumstances. Tell your provider if you have a medical condition or if you take certain medicines, such as steroids, which can affect your immune system. These situations may lead to inaccurate test results.

Tell your provider if you have received the BCG vaccine and if so, when you received it. This vaccine is only given outside of the United States. This test is done to find out if you have ever come in contact with the bacteria that cause TB.

TB is an easily spread contagious disease. It most often affects the lungs. The bacteria can remain inactive dormant in the lungs for many years. This situation is called latent TB. Most people in the United States who are infected with the bacteria do not have signs or symptoms of active TB.

A negative reaction usually means you have never been infected with the bacteria that cause TB. With a negative reaction, the skin where you received the PPD test is not swollen, or the swelling is very small. This measurement is different for children, people with HIV, and other high-risk groups. The PPD skin test is not a perfect screening test. A few people infected with the bacteria that cause TB may not have a reaction. Also, diseases or medicines that weaken the immune system may cause a false-negative result.