Tuberculosis
TB Test
- A TB skin test is also called the Mantoux tuberculin test (TST)
- A blood test is now available: QuantiFERON-TB test.
- Which a client gets is a matter of preference and cost.
- The skin TB test is read in 48 to 72 hours
What does a positive TB Mean?
- A positive TB test means that the bacteria has been detected. It does not mean that the client has active TB
- The client has an TB infection, but it is not active.
- More testing is needed such as chest X-ray and sputum culture.
- No need to do a QuantiFERON-TB test if skin test already done and positive.
- If the client has signs and symptoms of TB or has positive sputum cultures, the client is placed on AIRborne precautions: Private room, negative air pressure, and staff must wear an N95 mask.
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| Classification of the Tuberculin Skin Test Reaction | ||
|---|---|---|
| An induration of 5 or more millimeters is considered positive in -People living with HIV -A recent contact of a person with infectious TB disease – People with chest x-ray findings suggestive of previous TB disease -People with organ transplants -Other immunosuppressed people (e.g., patients on prolonged therapy with corticosteroids equivalent to/greater than 15 mg per day of prednisone or those taking TNF-a antagonists) | An induration of 10 or more millimeters is considered positive in -People born in countries where TB disease is common, including Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China, Haiti, and Guatemala, or other countries with high rates of TB -People who abuse drugs -Mycobacteriology laboratory workers -People who live or work in high-risk congregate settings (e.g., nursing homes, homeless shelters, or correctional facilities) -People with certain medical conditions that place them at high risk for TB (e.g., silicosis, diabetes mellitus, severe kidney disease, certain types of cancer, and certain intestinal conditions) -People with a low body weight (<90% of ideal body weight) -Children younger than 5 years of age -Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults in high-risk categories | An induration of 15 or more millimeters is considered positive in
-People with no known risk factors for TB |