A Positive Tuberculin Test Means a Patient

Question

A positive tuberculin test means a patient
A) may have active disease.
B) may have been previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
C) may have a current inapparent infection.
D) may have active disease, been previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or may have a current inapparent infection.

Accepted Answer

A positive tuberculin test indicates that the patient has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has mounted an immune response. It cannot distinguish between active disease, previous exposure, or inapparent infection. Further evaluation, such as chest x-rays or other diagnostic tests, is needed to determine the status of the infection.