What is a tuberculin skin test for solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN)?
ANSWER
A tuberculin skin test is used to help determine whether the SPN has been caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The test involves injecting the tuberculin antigen (a substance that triggers the immune system to produce cells that attack and try to destroy the antigen) into the skin and observing the body’s response. If the injection site swells and reddens, there is a chance that the SPN has been caused by tuberculosis.
Reviewed by Sabrina Felson on January 25, 2020
SOURCE: Solitary Pulmonary Nodule from eMedicineHealth. American Lung Association: "Lung Cancer Fact Sheet." UpToDate: "Diagnostic evaluation of the incidental pulmonary nodule." CDC: "Nocardiosis."
SOURCE: Solitary Pulmonary Nodule from eMedicineHealth. American Lung Association: "Lung Cancer Fact Sheet." UpToDate: "Diagnostic evaluation of the incidental pulmonary nodule." CDC: "Nocardiosis."
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