In a healthy adult, a TB skin test is considered positive if the induration measures at least how many millimeters?

Prepare for the Galen Medical Surgical Exam 2. Utilize engaging quizzes with hints and explanations designed to enhance your learning experience and improve your exam readiness!

Multiple Choice

In a healthy adult, a TB skin test is considered positive if the induration measures at least how many millimeters?

Explanation:
Tuberculin skin test interpretation depends on risk category. For someone with no known risk factors—the healthy general population—the test is considered positive when the induration is 15 millimeters or more. Thresholds of 5 millimeters or 10 millimeters apply to higher-risk groups (5 mm for the highest-risk individuals, 10 mm for moderate risk). Therefore, in a truly healthy adult, 15 mm is the meaningful cutoff, not 10 mm.

Tuberculin skin test interpretation depends on risk category. For someone with no known risk factors—the healthy general population—the test is considered positive when the induration is 15 millimeters or more. Thresholds of 5 millimeters or 10 millimeters apply to higher-risk groups (5 mm for the highest-risk individuals, 10 mm for moderate risk). Therefore, in a truly healthy adult, 15 mm is the meaningful cutoff, not 10 mm.

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