Ask Our Expert - TB Skin Test during Pregnancy

July 04, 2009

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield TB Skin Test during Pregnancy

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, Is it safe to have a TB skin test while pregnant? — SLKNCK

ANSWER	October 1, 2001


Dear SLKNCK, Yes! There is no known risk in getting a tuberculosis skin test during pregnancy. The TB test, or PPD, is a purified protein derivative of the tubercle bacillus, the kind of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. If your immune system has "seen" the TB germ in the past, it will react to the injection, and the area will be red and swollen 48 hours or more after it is administered. A positive test usually means that tuberculosis has entered your body at some prior time, although you might not be at all ill with it at present. Since the PPD isn't an infectious agent or a medication that gets into your system, there is no risk for the baby. If you need the test for your health, or to protect those who may be exposed to you, it is best to get it done. Take care of yourself and the baby-to-be! — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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