Rina Patel Rina Patel Asked 8 months ago

How to read tb skin test results?

I had a TB skin test done last week for my work visa application. I looked at my arm, but I'm not sure if it's positive or negative. How do you correctly read TB skin test results?

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Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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I am a bit nervous because I might have to take this test soon for my college admission. Does the bump have to be really big to be positive? I'd feel much better if someone who has gone through it could share what happens.

Vijay Shankar Vijay Shankar Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Beta, the Mantoux test is read by measuring the raised bump, not the redness, and this must only be done by a trained nurse after 48 to 72 hours. Please do not scratch the area or apply any home remedies like haldi or oils there, as it might ruin the reading.

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Consult a dermatologist

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

When I had mine done, I kept up with my regular light evening walks to keep my mind off it, but made sure not to sweat too much on that arm. You have to go back to the doctor's clinic exactly on the scheduled day so they can check the induration. Don't skip that appointment.

Abhishek Goel Abhishek Goel Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

Please do not try to measure the skin swelling yourself with a regular ruler. Internet guides can easily make you miscalculate a positive or negative result. Go back to the clinic where they injected it; only a professional can read it accurately.

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Arjun Das Arjun Das Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I had this skin test done last year for my visa. They literally tell you not to touch or measure it yourself because even a small bump of 5mm or 10mm can mean different things depending on your health history. Just let the lab guy do his job.

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