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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diagnosed With TB, Getting Treated. What Does The Result Tell? Treatment?

Hi My mother was recently diagnosed with TB and is recieveing treatment currently. Since I had been in contact with her before the diagnoses was known Dr suggested I take a skin and xray test. My skin test showed 18mm, prior in 2009 I had a skin test and result was 10mm only. My xray showed that my lungs were remarkably fine. I just want to know why did the skin test result show higher mm and does this all mean that I have latent TB? And do I need to start a treatment? I m a 25 yr old woman.
Mon, 24 Sep 2012
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hi Goldenkey,
Thanks for posting your query.
The test indicates that you are reactive to TB, means you are infected with TB but whether current or in past, whether active or resolved can not be said.
About 40% polulation of the Asia and Africa would give the same skin results, because they are essentially exposed to infection due to higher prevalence in community but essentially do not need any treatment.
Remain watchful. If you develop cough, fall in weight, evening rise of temperature then get reviewed to local physician.
You may need intervention in that case.
I will be available for your follow up queries.

Regards,
Dr.Monika
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Diagnosed With TB, Getting Treated. What Does The Result Tell? Treatment?

Hi Goldenkey, Thanks for posting your query. The test indicates that you are reactive to TB, means you are infected with TB but whether current or in past, whether active or resolved can not be said. About 40% polulation of the Asia and Africa would give the same skin results, because they are essentially exposed to infection due to higher prevalence in community but essentially do not need any treatment. Remain watchful. If you develop cough, fall in weight, evening rise of temperature then get reviewed to local physician. You may need intervention in that case. I will be available for your follow up queries. Regards, Dr.Monika