What does no reaction to TB test mean?

Negative skin test: This means the person’s body did not react to the test, and that latent TB infection or TB disease is not likely. There is no problem in repeating a TB skin test. If repeated, the additional test should be placed in a different location on the body (e.g., other arm).

Does a person with a positive skin TB test always have active TB disease?

A positive TB test result means only that TB bacteria has been detected. It does not indicate whether the person has active TB or a latent infection. This requires additional testing.

Can a TB skin test be wrong?

You can also get a false-negative result, meaning the test is negative but you’re actually infected with TB. Again, incorrect administration of the test or interpretation of the result could lead to a false-negative test result.

What if my TB skin test is negative?

What if my TB skin test is negative? The test is “negative” if there is no bump (or only a very small bump) at the spot where the fluid was injected. A negative TB skin test usually means that you don’t have TB. In some situations, you may need to have another TB skin test later.

What are the side effects of a TB test?

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• Bleeding at the injection site (occurring up to 3 days after the skin test)
• blistering, crusting, or scabbing at the injection site.
• deep, dark purple bruise at the injection site (occurring up to 3 days after the skin test)
• difficult or labored breathing.
• hard lump at the injection site.

Can I have active TB without symptoms?

What Are the Symptoms of TB? A person with latent, or inactive, TB will have no symptoms. You may still have a TB infection, but the bacteria in your body is not yet causing harm.

Can you be allergic to the TB skin test?

There is a very slight risk of having a severe reaction to the tuberculin skin test, especially if you’ve had tuberculosis (TB). An allergic reaction can cause a lot of swelling and pain at the site. You may have a sore.