Suresh Kumar Suresh Kumar Asked 4 months ago

How to know if a tb skin test is positive?

My colleague got a TB skin test done and is waiting for the results. What exactly does the doctor look for? How do you know if a TB skin test is considered positive?

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Arjun Singh Arjun Singh Joined May 2026 4 months ago
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Dude, I had this test once. They inject a tiny bit under your skin, right? Then you go back in like 2-3 days. The doctor or nurse will check your arm for a raised, hard lump, not just redness. They actually measure the size of that bump. If it's over a certain size (which depends on your risk factors), then it's positive. So yeah, don't try to read it yourself, let the doc do it.

Ananya Gupta Ananya Gupta Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Oh, I totally get the anxiety waiting for these test results! For a TB skin test (Mantoux test), a nurse or doctor needs to examine your arm 48-72 hours after the injection. They don't just look for a red spot, but for a raised, firm bump (induration). The size of this bump, not the redness, determines if it's positive, and the measurement is specific. Don't try to measure it yourself, let the professional do it.

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Shweta Das Shweta Das Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

So, for the TB skin test, you usually get an injection, right? And then you have to go back in 2 or 3 days. A nurse or doctor will check your arm. They are looking for a firm, raised bump, not just a red area. The size of that bump tells them if it's positive. It's really important to let them check it because they have specific measurements. Don't try to guess it yourself!

Sunita Devi Sunita Devi Joined May 2026 4 months ago

For a TB skin test, there are no home remedies, beta. You have to go back to the doctor or nurse after 2-3 days. They will check the site where they gave the injection. They are not looking at just the red mark, but a raised, hard bump on your skin. They will measure it to see if it is positive. It's very important to follow up with them.

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Alok Sharma Alok Sharma Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Ah, the old TB skin test, where you walk around feeling like a human pincushion for a few days! To know if it's positive, you absolutely need to go back to the clinic after 48-72 hours. They won't just look at the redness; they'll actually measure the *bump* or *hardened area*. If it's a certain size, then bingo, it's positive. So don't try to eyeball it yourself, let the professionals do their magic!

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