Friend of Ours

I got another question from one of my dear, dear readers.

Dear Moody but TB Infected,
I couldn't help but notice the picture you have on your blog. Is that what a positive TB test looks like? Thanks.
Signed,
A Friend of the Tubies,

That is a really great question Friend of the Tubies (much appreciated by the way). That indeed IS a picture of a positive TB test, also known as a PPD (purified protein derivative) test. To test somone for TB exposure, a small area under the top layer of the skin, typically on the forearm, is injected with the PPD strain. Once injected, the site should be examined by a health care professional within the next 48-72 hours. Depending on the results of the test will determine if someone has been exposed to TB.

Below is an example of a positive TB test:

My TB test result looked pretty similar to this one and lasted 3 or 4 weeks. When I USED to test negative to TB exposure, there wouldn't really be any redness, and if there was any, it would go away with in a couple days.

Below is another postive TB test:

Bummer. That's a positive alright.

Let's look at those not exposed, below.

Lucky dog. They got away THIS year from the TB.

POP QUIZ: answers provided at the end of the post.
Positive or Negative TB test?
A.


Positive or Negative TB Test?
B.


Who studied and who DIDN'T?

TB tests are typically to test individuals at high risk of being exposed. They are not really meant for everyone. I guess on the bright side of being exposed, I am in a special, selective group of people.

The way someone's body responds to TB exposure depends a lot on their immune system. So people with a weaken immune response, such as those with HIV or AIDS, are in a group that should be tested. Also, people who live in confined living conditions, like schools or nursing homes, should also be tested annually. Healthcare workers (that's me) and other occupations that will expose people to individuals with active TB, are also at risk and are/should be tested regularly. There is also a population of people who are from or have lived in foreign countries where TB is common, who should be careful of developing active TB.

Thanks again for the question Friend of the Tubies. A friend of us is a friend of mine.

Day 17 pill has been taken and I am feeling good today.


Answers to quiz: A. positive, B. negative

Imagines from:
http://www.healthyinfo.com/clinical/tb/tb.18mm.jpg,
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/01/health/adam/3037.jpg,
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr5Z0yGOTgcUU7hK33dZJQLOf02TnlJFWbluLZ_Pr06yhUZfCzp5OCPokGH-qRq_0kUi5_ZecbfWyHt4nCCo858LDnFFA1-GYsujpUuCwzbCNR98gwXZkS_StbJhD-aSYd2CXJFu5Hxo/s320/mantoux.jpg,
http://gabbiana.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html