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What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?
Question: Hello. I had a positive PPD test. It was for a physical to work overseas. I was given a chest X-ray for tuberculosis and these were the results. Does it mean that there were no negative findings?
DX-CHEST SINGLE PA
HISTORY: Positive PPD.
EXAMINATION: PA view of chest
COMPARISON: None available
FINDINGS: No focal consolidation or effusions. Cardiac silhouette not enlarged. Pleural surfaces and osseous structures are intact.
IMPRESSION: No radiographic evidence of acute cardiopulmonary process.
DX-CHEST SINGLE PA
HISTORY: Positive PPD.
EXAMINATION: PA view of chest
COMPARISON: None available
FINDINGS: No focal consolidation or effusions. Cardiac silhouette not enlarged. Pleural surfaces and osseous structures are intact.
IMPRESSION: No radiographic evidence of acute cardiopulmonary process.
Brief Answer:
No need to worry for this positive PPD test.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
PPD is purified protein derivative. It is used as screening test for tuberculosis. But in latest who guidelines, PPD is replaced by tb gold test.
PPD is not indicative of active tb infection. It can be positive even of person is not suffering from tuberculosis. This is known as false positive tests and it is seen in
1. Bcg vaccination in childhood.
2. Previous tuberculosis infection
3. Infection with non tubercular mycobacterial (NTM) infection.
In your case, you are having false positive results. Because you are having normal chest x ray and not having any symptoms, no need to worry for positive PPD test.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
No need to worry for this positive PPD test.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
PPD is purified protein derivative. It is used as screening test for tuberculosis. But in latest who guidelines, PPD is replaced by tb gold test.
PPD is not indicative of active tb infection. It can be positive even of person is not suffering from tuberculosis. This is known as false positive tests and it is seen in
1. Bcg vaccination in childhood.
2. Previous tuberculosis infection
3. Infection with non tubercular mycobacterial (NTM) infection.
In your case, you are having false positive results. Because you are having normal chest x ray and not having any symptoms, no need to worry for positive PPD test.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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