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The Curious Bag
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Tuberculosis is a disease passed through mucus droplets that affects the lungs. Tuberculosis kills almost 2 million people each year, primarily in Africa and Asia. Thankfully vaccines and a test have been developed to aid in screening for this disease.
TB Skin Test
The most commonly used test for tuberculosis is a skin test. The most widely accepted and accurate skin test is the Mantoux test. Although the results of this test are the most accurate of all methods, it can give false-positive results. This is especially true for those infected with another mycobacterium disease, or those who were recently vaccinated with the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
How to Use
The test is administered by injecting a small amount of a liquid known as PPD tuberculin into the topmost layer of skin on the forearm. For most people, the injection is completely painless, as it is rare to come into contact with any nerves. A bandage is placed over the injection site, and the patient is sent home.
Interpreting Results
After 48 hours, the test is interpreted. If there is a hard, raised bump at the injection site, the patient could have tuberculosis. In order to verify the results, the test may be repeated, or if the patient is showing any symptoms, chest X-rays, culture tests and blood work can be taken to confirm the presence of the disease.
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