Latent TB
Posted By Chris on February 16, 2012
Latent TB is the name given to persons who have been exposed to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, but who do not show signs and symptoms of active disease, such as night sweats, persistent cough, bloody sputum, feelings of exhaustion, and weight loss; Latent TB patients are not infectious to anyone else but about 7-10 % will go on to develop full blown Tuberculosis at sometime during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Diagnosis of Latent TB Infection
In Long-term Care facilities a resident or health care worker may convert from a previously negative PPD test to one that is considered positive when they receive their annual PPD screening. It is vitally important that the nurse responsible for the facility TB screening program is experienced and accomplished at both administration and interpretation of the results. Being a nurse does not necessarily infer the skills required to interpret redness, swelling, or indurations associated with TB testing. If a nurse reads the results of a PPD incorrectly this year, it could adversley affect the results of the annual PPD next year. Here is a link to the CDC Interpretation Fact sheet and Wall Chart for administration and Interpretation of the PPD. TB Interpretation Fact Sheets /PPD Wall Chart
Next: New treatment options for Latent TB
Reference: Picture by microbiologyinpictures.com/mycobacteriumtuberculosis16; February16, 2012
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