I just got a TB test and i need your help to see if i have it! Its starting to look like i have it!?

Question

Hey everyone, yesterday i got a TB test because my new school requires it and i am supose to go to the doctor tomarrow to see whether i have it or not. I was looking at pictures on google to see what there arms are like compared to mine and they are shockingly similar!

The redness on my arm where they tested me is about a half an inch wide. The center red mark is a very very small bump, but its still visible and slightly more red then its surroundings.

My older brother got a tb test and his arm didn't react at all! Someone please tell me whats going on!

Answer 1

Nothing is going on at the moment, and there is no way you can get an accurate reading for at least 48 hours at the absolute soonest.  The reason for the difference in look between you and your brother can be for any number of things.  You do not have the same body, after all.  You each have different combinations of bacteria, sweat, dirt, etc on you.  You have obviously been poking and prodding yours, and that can also make matters in the region red and irritable.  Maybe yours was a micron deeper or shallower than his was.  Who can say?  For right now, leave the spot alone and in peace.  I seriously doubt you have been exposed to TB, and even if you have- please do consider a reaction to be good news of sorts.  The test is a check for antibodies against TB.   Having antibodies is a good thing, it means you have a working immune system protecting you.  Folks with AIDS and other autoimmune disorders don't have that.  A positive reaction means your body detected the TB and attacked it, which is the right and proper thing to do.  It also means you don't have active TB either.  If the test is determined to be positive, you'll get a chest x-ray to be sure things are okay, and then medication to be sure it's completely gone.  It's really not a big deal.   You won't die of TB, that's for sure.  So for now, calm yourself, and leave the test spot in peace.  After 72 hours it can be read, and you can get the good news either way.   I'd fully expect you to be negative, by the way.

Answer 2

If this test is the same one that they used years ago, it tests whether your body has ever been exposed to TB, not whether you have it now.

If the test is positive that you have at some point been exposed to TB then they do more involved testing to see whether you have active TB now or not. If you do not have it now, it means that when you were exposed to it before, your body successfully resisted the infection, leaving it more alert and stronger to fight off another exposure if it should come along. In other words, your immune system has been strengthened against future exposures to TB.

If they have changed the tests in recent years, then you have to get someone else to give you a better answer than I can.  

Answer 3

Have you irritated the site, that could be why it is red. By all means have the dr look at it, it could a false positive. All that means is that you are allergic to the serum or have been in contact with someone who has TB, not necessarily  you have it. A chest Xray will be able to confirm or rule it out. But there are treatments available if  by some slim chance you do have it. Don't worry, chances are you are just fine.  

Answer 4

The redness is irrelevant.  It is whether or not the area of injection becomes firm or indurated that determines positivity.  For most people 10 mm or induration means you have had exposure to TB.  You then will be given a chest xray as a precaution to be sure you don't have it.  People who have recently converted from negative to positive  have a small chance of developing  TB in the subsequent year.  Because of this your doctor may recommend that you take the antibiotic Isoniazid for several months as a precaution and preventive measure.