Does a TB skin test confirm an active TB infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I hope you are doing well.

I had a TB skin test five days ago and went back today for the results, and it showed as positive. I took a blood test for TB 14 days back, and it came negative.

My doctor said this does not confirm that I have active TB, and an x-ray scan is needed to confirm if it is active. It takes another week to get the results, and I am very nervous to know whether my x-ray shows anything relating to TB.

I managed to take a photo of my x-ray and would appreciate your opinion.

I have a family and a job and need to know if I should isolate and take precautions before receiving my results. Would you please confirm whether TB is present in the x-ray?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for your query.

Looking at your x-ray (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), everything looks fine, and I do not see any evidence of active TB (tuberculosis).

TB skin test comes positive in many individuals and is a marker of previous TB exposure. It does not mean that you have TB. Furthermore, if you do not have any symptoms, you should not worry about them.

Since the chest x-ray does not show any evidence of active infection, I do not think you need isolation.

Take care.