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Tuberculin tine test - Results

Alternative Names

TB tine

Normal Values:

If you have a negative test result, the area may be a little red, but it will not be swollen and firm like a mosquito bite. This means you have not been infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

What abnormal results mean:

If you have been infected with tuberculosis, the area may become red and swell like a mosquito bite in 48 - 72 hours. This is considered a positive test result. It means your body's immune system detected the substance injected under your skin.

A positive TB tine test does not mean that you have active tuberculosis. It only means that you have been exposed and infected at some point in the past.

A chest x-ray may be taken to determine whether you have active tuberculosis.

If you have a positive TB tine test, you should also have a TB skin test.

Tuberculosis in the kidney

Tuberculosis in the lung

Tuberculin skin test

Reviewed last on: 11/1/2009
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Friedland JS. Tuberculosis. In: Cohen J, Powderly WG, Berkley SF, et al, eds. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 37.

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