The tuberculin skin test is performed to evaluate whether a person
has been exposed to tuberculosis. If there has been a prior
exposure, antibodies are formed and remain in the body. During the
skin test, the tuberculosis antigen is injected under the skin and
if antibodies are present, the body will have an immune response.
There will be an area of inflammation at the site of the injection.
Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
