PPD

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PPD

The PPD is a skin test that screens for the presence of antibodies against tuberculosis proteins.

Tests are normally negative. A positive test indicates current active infection, previous infection, or enough previous exposure (without clinical infection) to develop antibodies against tuberculosis.

The test is read 48-72 hours after intradermal injection. The diameter of induration (the "zone") is measured.

A variety of factors can lead to false positives or false negatives

Normal Values*

	Zone diameter
Negative	< 5 mm
Intermediate	5-10 mm
Positive	>10 mm

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

This information is provided by The Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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