Should patients with ppd have a follow-up chest x-ray?

Answer by  JohnHolmes (2660)

Yes they should have multiple follow up x-rays to make sure that there are no additional complications from any treatment they may have had. I would also recommend blood tests and a whole body cat scan to have the doctors looks for any other underlying conditions that may have caused the initial problem.

Answer by  hgflier (13)

The PPD (purified protein derivative) screening skin test detects infection with Tuberculosis. If the PPD was negative and becomes positive, then a Chest X-ray should be obtained to look for signs of an active infection before treatment begins.

Answer by  pugsley (12)

I would recommend one to establish a baseline and to make sure the TB is not active. It used to be required to get a yearly chest xray after the initial one but not anymore, unless you have symptoms of the disease, live in a high risk area, or have visited a high risk country.

Answer by  wyeth (435)

A ppd test that is judged positive indicates past exposure to or current infection with tuberculosis. Various followup tests including a Chest X-ray are usually indicated but decisions must be made by a qualified clinician.Assessing a ppd skin reaction also requires expertise.About 20% of infected people show a negative ppd.

Answer by  Shoshanah (232)

It depends on the severity of the result. A person with no symptoms will just be perspired medicine to make sure no tuberculosis spreads. On the other hand a person who has flu like symptoms will need the x-ray. Talk to your doctor and mention all the symptoms if positive.

Answer by  Aimala (30)

Patients are tested for tuberculosis with the ppd skin test on the inner arm. If a patient appears to have a positive ppd, the next step would be a chest x-ray to detect for any tuberculosis germs in their lungs.

Answer by  colo22 (278)

All positive TB screens will need an x-ray; although if the chest x-ray is clean then there is no reason to have a follow up; x-rays are done to see the activity of the disease. Preventative treatment may be offered if the x-ray is negative for active disease. Please always consult with your doctor concerning specific instructions.