Tuberculin (By injection)
too-BER-kue-lin
Used to test for tuberculosis (TB) infection.
Drug classes
Diagnostic Agent, Tuberculin (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) is used in a skin test to help diagnose tuberculosis (TB) infection in persons at increased risk of developing active disease.
Tuberculin skin test is done by injecting tuberculin PPD into the surface layer of the skin. If the test is positive, a reaction will be seen at and around the place of injection or puncture. If the test is given using an injection, this reaction is usually a hard, raised area with clear margins. If the test is given using the puncture devices, the reaction is usually a swollen area at the puncture site. The size of the reaction is measured and recorded and the results of the test are studied after 48 to 72 hours.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
For the intradermal injection, medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin.
For the multiple-puncture device (Tine test), a device with several prongs is pressed against the skin on your forearm. It will slightly scratch your skin.
You must return to your doctor in 2 or 3 days so that he/she can look at the way your skin has reacted to the medicine. It is very important that you come back for this exam.
Your doctor may ask you to come back for a second test in order to make sure that you do not have TB.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you use a medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous tuberculin skin test. You should not receive this medicine if you have extensive skin burns or eczema or if you have active tuberculosis or history of treatment for tuberculosis.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, a weak immune system, other medical problems, or if you have had an organ transplant. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any vaccination, including vaccines for the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, yellow fever, and varicella.
Some patients may have a false-positive or false-negative reaction to a tuberculin skin test. This may occur if you have received a vaccine against tuberculosis (such as BCG) or if you have been exposed to other mycobacteria.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bleeding or a dark bruise at the injection site (can occur up to 3 days after the skin test)
Fainting, lightheadedness, seizure
Hard lump at the injection site
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Aplisol, Tubersol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
