This test is not an immunization, but rather a method we use to determine if your child has been infected with tuberculosis. We conduct TB skin tests on children who have certain risk factors for the disease, such as being exposed to someone with active tuberculosis, working in a healthcare profession with direct patient contact, or having traveled outside the United States to an area at high risk for TB. If any of these situations apply to your child, please speak to us about scheduling a TB skin test. 

This test is particularly important for young travelers to India who haven’t received the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccine provides immunity to tuberculosis and is routinely administered in India to prevent the disease. TB skin testing is not necessary if your child has traveled to India, but has previously received the BCG vaccine. BCG vaccinations leave a small scar at the site of administration, typically on the upper arm.

After the TB skin test is administered into the skin of the arm, our nurse or physician will carefully examine the injection site 48 to 72 hours later. Redness or swelling at the site could potentially indicate a TB infec- tion. We will measure the thickness of the induration (the raised or hard- ened area) in millimeters, rather than the redness around it, to determine if the test is positive or negative. If the test is not evaluated within the 72- hour time-frame, it may need to be repeated for accurate results.