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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Detect TB?

HI, I just had a tuberculin ppd test done the redness area is about 19mm, I dont remember well if I had a BCG done a few years ago, I have no symptoms of TB, the test was done because I stayed with a friend who was found to have TB. Does this mean I have TB, how can I be sure I dont have it, please suggest any other test, in my Xray the lungs are clear.
Thu, 14 Aug 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
See PPD test gives positive result when patiebntis having sensitivity with tuberculin prolteins. So false positive results can be found in following conditions.
1. Childhood BCG vaccination
2. Past history of TB.
3. Exposure to the environment mycobacteria. So any of the above thing can cause positive PPD. One more thing a positive PPD is not a indicator of disease. And since your x ray is clear with no symptoms I dont think you should worry much about positive PPD. If you still want to be sure, go for CT THORAX.
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How To Detect TB?

See PPD test gives positive result when patiebntis having sensitivity with tuberculin prolteins. So false positive results can be found in following conditions. 1. Childhood BCG vaccination 2. Past history of TB. 3. Exposure to the environment mycobacteria. So any of the above thing can cause positive PPD. One more thing a positive PPD is not a indicator of disease. And since your x ray is clear with no symptoms I dont think you should worry much about positive PPD. If you still want to be sure, go for CT THORAX.