False Positive Skin TB Test

[tamu1234]

Hey guys, I just got a TB skin test done today for school and on the questionnaire it asked if you have used steroids in the past 4 weeks. Now I know steroids can lower your immune response and create a false positive on this test with high dosages, but is this true for say 400 mg of test per week for someone in their twenties. Thanks.

 

[NINJA]

tb

Hey guys, I just got a TB skin test done today for school and on the questionnaire it asked if you have used steroids in the past 4 weeks. Now I know steroids can lower your immune response and create a false positive on this test with high dosages, but is this true for say 400 mg of test per week for someone in their twenties. Thanks.

There are a few diffrent things that can cause a false positive...I had to get one every 6 months when I was in school to be a teacher. They will follow up with a chest x-ray to confirm. Just becasue your in your twenties and it was a low dose doesn't mean your immune system is in top shape.

 

[Chim Chim]

They check them in 48 hrs, but you should know in less time. If the spot where they inject you becomes raised above the skin and red. it's positive. That doesn't mean you definitively have TB, it means you have been exposed to TB or someone who had it. that you have antibodies to TB. Like stated previously a chest x-ray will follow. Hope this helps

 

[Che]

I tested positive my freshman year of college and the campus health center almost flipped. It was not big deal - I used to live right on the border of Mexico (which is where I believe I was exposed to it), and they just took a chest x-ray, gave me antibiotics, and then gave me a card showing that I'd followed the county's health protocol for positive TB tests.

 

[cuz]

Have had many TB tests while on more than 400mg of test and never had a positive. I think you'll be ok.

 

[paddington]

Have had many TB tests while on more than 400mg of test and never had a positive. I think you'll be ok.

Bump. I get tested every year and have never had a problem.

Paddington

 

[tamu1234]

well....got my skin checked today and its over 10mm, so I'm positive for TB. WTF. Oh well, guess its the next step w/ the chest xray. My question is, if this is a false positive and they offer me medication for the TB, do I take it?

 

[AlphaMale]

Hey guys, I just got a TB skin test done today for school and on the questionnaire it asked if you have used steroids in the past 4 weeks. Now I know steroids can lower your immune response and create a false positive on this test with high dosages, but is this true for say 400 mg of test per week for someone in their twenties. Thanks.

Really?? High dose steroids will lower your immune system and cause a false positive on a TB test which is not judged by one's immune system? Interesting.

There are many things that can and will give a false positive: I use to stock groceries and the cardboard rubbing on my arms gave me a false positive once, allergies and other things can cause it. They will probably give you another test and if it shows positive you're on to more testing i.e chest x-ray.

 

[Che]

Do you take the meds? Yes

In my case, the county health department made me take a very specific antibiotic along with some liver support. They would call me every week to find out how many, if any, days I missed. If I had refused to take the meds, they would actually be able to physically remove me from the county or imprison me. Personally, you have nothing to lose by taking the meds because they should help "confine" the TB so that in older age it does not become an active case. Let me say, though, that times have changed and the TB is in the news more so it's not quite as much of a shock to medical community as it was when I had the test. I would seriously doubt getting a positive test, though, from aas. It could easily have come from an infinite number of people you pass by. In nearly all cases, though, TB never becomes active unless you have a deblitating illness or are very old.

 

[loganb_football]

Really?? High dose steroids will lower your immune system and cause a false positive on a TB test which is not judged by one's immune system? Interesting.

There are many things that can and will give a false positive: I use to stock groceries and the cardboard rubbing on my arms gave me a false positive once, allergies and other things can cause it. They will probably give you another test and if it shows positive you're on to more testing i.e chest x-ray.

I think its corticosteroids that lower the immune system. I dont believe anabolic steroids have much of an effect unless cycling off...

 

[bhumik]

TB test will come back positive in most of hte people. Specially in third world countries.. But more often than not it just means that u been exposed and developed antibodies to it. I think the cut off point is something like this

> 5mm for people with HIV or immuno compromised, Treat for TB
> 10 mm people who are IV drug users and people at risk for TB, Treat for TB
> 15 mm ALL other people treat for TB

I would hitnk since u are under 15 mm and fall under "all other people" you hsould be ok..

MY bad to orignal question, no i odnt think u should write nething bout ur usage.. Just be like you want a chest XRAY to make sure u dont have a TB which I am 99.9999999% sure u dont unless u are HIV infected, or someone who is immuno compromised