Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can The TST Be False Positive?
17 year old, male, 5"'4", 130 pounds, good health, had TST done and came out positive. The chest X-ray came out negative. Pt took BCG vaccination 15 years ago. Can the TST be false positive because pt took BCG before? Can we do another test before start taking INH medication?
Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Hi,
I appreciate your knowledge. Yes if pateint has taken BCG vaccine than tuberculin skin test that is TST can be false positive. And TST is not conformatory test for tuberculosis and treatment started only after TB confirmation by suitable methods like:
- Chest x ray
- Sputum AFB study
- Gene expert if needed
Clinical correlation also done before starting tuberculosis treatment.
Hope your concern is solved. You can consult good pulmonologoist for examination and further work up accordingly. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Parth Goswami
I appreciate your knowledge. Yes if pateint has taken BCG vaccine than tuberculin skin test that is TST can be false positive. And TST is not conformatory test for tuberculosis and treatment started only after TB confirmation by suitable methods like:
- Chest x ray
- Sputum AFB study
- Gene expert if needed
Clinical correlation also done before starting tuberculosis treatment.
Hope your concern is solved. You can consult good pulmonologoist for examination and further work up accordingly. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Parth Goswami
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Tuberculosis
Loading Online Doctors....