reading a tb skin test

I have never had to read a TB skin test and I was asked by my husband's MD to read his since it was to be read on Saturday. When I went to read it I wasn't sure about one part of it. It was red, not worried about that. However, it was rough, like the skin dried out or something. This area was about 3mm x 5mm. It was not swollen. So I guess I wasn't sure how to write this on the form he has to fax back. Can anyone help?
test is positive only if there is an area of induration (hardened lump under the skin) greater than 10mm (some say 15mm). redness doesn't indicate anything.

stidget is right...no induration...negative PPD.

Good teaching on the Mantoux test here:http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epi/tb/CDCTSTGd.pdf#search='read%20mantoux'Interesting pic here about what to measure:http://www.kcom.edu/faculty/chamberl.../mantouxyn.jpgHope that helps!

Quote from Angie O'Plasty, RNGood teaching on the Mantoux test here:http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epi/tb/CDCTSTGd.pdf#search='read%20mantoux'Interesting pic here about what to measure:http://www.kcom.edu/faculty/chamberl.../mantouxyn.jpgHope that helps!

Quote from stidget99test is positive only if there is an area of induration (hardened lump under the skin) greater than 10mm (some say 15mm). redness doesn't indicate anything.

I am confused about TB readings. Does the induration have to be a visible lump under the skin, or under? I have felt tests with no visible lump on top of the skin, but there has been a small amount of hardness beneath.

If there was no induration, or an upraised area of skin (not under), it was most likely a local reaction to the tuberculin. If I see redness, I usually run my finger over the area. If it's completely flat, it's negative. If there is a lump underneath the skin, it's still most likely a local reaction of inflammation. Hope this helps!

Just a question...is anyone (RN) able to read a TB test? My roommate has a friend that needs her read by Monday and was wondering if I could do it. I've never read one before but know we were taught to in school...I just wasn't sure.

In my facility you have to have special training to administer and read TB tests. Without it you cannot place or read the tests. I'm not sure if that's standard though.