I just had a tb ppd, but no bump?

Question

When the nurse injected the ppd, it didn't make a bubble on my skin. Does that mean she injected it too deep? Is it going to work?

Answer 1

I think it just depends on your skin type, mine never bubbled either. She might have injected it too deep, but it should still show if you have it or not. Just have her look at in the 24-48hrs.

Answer 2

I think that means you don't have TB

Answer 3

Yes, her injection technique was off. But, even had she done it correctly, the site would have absorbed the extract anyway and your bubble would have disappeared.

What they look for when measuring reaction in a ppd test is called 'induration' that is; a raised, hardened area of the body in response to inflammation. They may also check redness, but that is not what defines a positive result or not. Despite the incorrect technique, you can still have an accurate reading.

So if you want to tell if you are positively reacting or not, run your fingers over the area injected after 48-72 hours have passed. If you feel a bump that is larger than width of an eraser on a pencil (about 5 mm), then that could be considered positive for infection if you have HIV, a positive chest x-ray or other diagnostic signs. 10 mm is usually considered the standard for positive infection in other persons not otherwise displaying signs or who had recent close contact with an infected person.