What does a positive reaction mean?

A positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test usually means that the person has been infected with the TB germ. It does not necessarily mean that the person has TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest X-ray and a sample of sputum, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease.

Show All Answers

1. What is tuberculosis?
2. What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease?
3. Are some people at greater risk of getting TB?
4. How serious is the problem among minorities?
5. What are the symptoms of TB disease?
6. How is TB spread?
7. How is a person tested for TB?
8. What does a positive reaction mean?
9. How is TB disease treated?
10. How is TB infection treated?