Vijay Menon Vijay Menon Asked 6 months ago

What is considered a positive tb test?

My colleague just had a TB test and is awaiting results. He's a bit nervous. What are the criteria for a TB test to be considered positive?

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Rohan Gupta Rohan Gupta Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago
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A positive TB test—whether blood or skin—just means your body has the bacteria. If you have to start meds, make sure you eat lots of heavy, comforting foods like dal khichdi with ghee, because TB treatment requires a solid diet to handle the strong medicines.

Savita Patil Savita Patil Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

A positive test means the skin bump was measured above 10mm or your blood test detected the infection. Don't waste time worrying; just go to a chest specialist, get an X-ray, and start the treatment if they advise it. It is very common in India.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Anjali Rao Anjali Rao Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

A positive test means the TB bacteria is present in your system, but it could just be latent (sleeping) TB! 🌟 Doctors will do a chest X-ray next to see if it is active. Keep your chin up, it is totally curable!

Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

A positive TB test indicates infection. Since the treatment takes 6 to 9 months, you need to plan your work schedule and visits to the clinic practically. Don't delay the sputum or chest X-ray tests that the doctor will prescribe next.

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Nisha Nair Nisha Nair Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My doctor told me that a positive blood test (IGRA) or skin test means exposure to tuberculosis. Just like managing my thyroid, this requires regular follow-ups and proper blood tests to monitor liver health if you start treatment. Please consult a pulmonologist.

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