Vivek Rao Vivek Rao Asked 4 months ago

Can you swim after tb test?

I just had a TB test done at my workplace this morning, and I usually go for a swim in the evenings. I was wondering if it's okay to go swimming after a TB test, or if I should wait some time.

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Harbhajan Singh Harbhajan Singh Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago
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I had a TB skin test done many years ago during a visa process. The doctor told me not to rub or scrub the spot on the arm. It is best to avoid swimming for those 48 to 72 hours so that the ink mark doesn't wash away and the skin doesn't get irritated.

Meera Rawat Meera Rawat Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Just wait for 2-3 days until the doctor reads your test results. Swimming pools have chlorine which can cause itching or a rash at the injection site, and that might ruin the test reading. Just keep the arm dry and clean.

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Aditya Roy Aditya Roy Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

I got my Mantoux test done last month. The nurse strictly told me not to swim or soak my arm in water until they check the bump after 48 hours. Better to skip the pool for two days to get an accurate result.

Karan Bhatia Karan Bhatia Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Just hold off on your pool sessions for a couple of days! Keeping the test spot dry ensures the reading goes smoothly. Once the doc checks the arm, you can jump back into the water right away.

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Deepika Nair Deepika Nair Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

It is highly recommended to avoid swimming after a TB skin test. Wetting the area heavily or exposing it to pool chemicals can affect the skin reaction, making it difficult for the doctor to read the test accurately.

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