Risk Factors for a Resident in a TB Screening

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a serious lung condition that affects many people. It is a dangerous disease for any medical resident because it is highly contagious and can spread quickly. Luckily, there is a test to determine whether you have been exposed to TB. However, there are also some potential risks involved in the test.

Test

• The TB test involves injecting a very small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) under the under the skin of the forearm. If the skin turns red, swells or blisters, you might have been in contact with TB.

Fever

• In some rare instances, a person might experience a high fever after having the TB test. This fever can be extremely high, but usually goes away in a day.

Swollen Glands

• If you are allergic to PPD, you might experience swollen glands in your armpit. These glands can be uncomfortable and painful, but the swelling will go down.

False Positive

• Sometimes a TB test will indicate a positive response when TB is not present. This can cause great emotional strain as further TB tests are done, and can make employment difficult.

Wound Swelling

• Sometimes, the injection site will swell up and bruise. Treat swelling and bruises with alternating cold and warm packs.

Scarring

• Positive test results sometimes result in lengthy or even permanent scarring of the test area. These scars can be unsightly and might require surgery to remove.