TB Test-how Is It Administered?

They don't do the prong test anymore, but the little tiny shot is no worse than any vaccination (and better than a couple of them). If you don't make a big deal out of it, the child should be able to deal.

Nowadays there is no 4 prong prick. Though I had that when I, was a kid.

It is a bubble under the skin.
It is fine.
It is quick and generally is not real sore like a vaccination.
Just bring a whistle with you, have the nurse count to three, and on three... have your son blow HARD and loud into that whistle.
It will, distract him from it.

My kids have had that when much younger. It was fine.
It really does not hurt much.

Hi there! I'm a medic in the Army and I regularly administer this test (PPD).

Here is everything you need to know. It's not different for different age groups or states. Same test for all.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003839.htm

The "prick" test is no longer utilized because it is not considered to be as accurate as the PPD.

I myself have had the PPD numerous times. It is very quick and easy. Please don't get yourself worked up over it. When you go in to the lab, ask for the person who does the best with kids and let them know that YOU are a little nervous. They are professionals and will do their best to calm your fears. :-)

ETA: Most people do not have an adverse reaction to PPD. The titer (blood test) another poster mentioned above is not going to be any easier for your child.

A TB test is usually given to kids as the "bubble" under the skin on the inner part of the arm. It's pretty easy to do , as long as the nurse knows how to hold the kid right. I work as a nurse at a pediatric office, and I've never given the 4 pronged test you are talking about. Some kids don't even cry when it's given. And just make sure you are able to take your child back in to the office 48-72 hours after the TB test is given to have it read. Good Luck!

Wow! I can't believe you have to do this test! Have you lived in or traveled outside of the country recently? If not, see if you can submit documents that your kid hasn't been to any high-risk locations--can you refuse the test!?
Anyways, there are 2 tests done now, and both involve needles. One is the PPD--where they inject a small amount of antigen under the skin (usually on the arm) to see if there's a reaction. Some people may have an allergic reaction (even if not TB positive), others may not respond at all (even if they have been exposed to TB). For this test, you will have to return to the doctor/public health office 48-72 hours later.
The other is a blood draw. This test will be performed by a commercial or public health lab and does not require follow-up. Results depend on the lab, but should be 2-3 days.
Personally, I prefer the blood draw. I had the PPD once and it had a weird reaction, hurt, and I ended up having to do the blood draw anyways.
I'm sure you can call around (pediatrician, public health office, etc) to find out what options are available to you.
PM me if you'd like more info (I work for a public health lab)! Good luck mama!

I just had a TB skin test last week for my annual requirement for my job as an RN. It was done at a local health department, and it was the little bubble in the skin done by a needle. This is the only method I have had in the last 20 years, but I do remember having some with the little four prong prior to that. The charge this year had increased from $20 to $26, but there may be programs that might be free in some areas.

Know that the needle just barely goes under the skin. It's not like a shot. It shouldn't hurt any more than the skin prick test. They're both pricks.

Every test I administered as a nurse involved a needle directly under the skin and the bubble you speak of. It isn't particularly harmful, and the needle only needs to be placed a few millimeters in. You'll have to report back after a set period of time to have the results read.

I would call a local doctor's office and ask. You will most likely get a reseptionist but they can have a nurse call you back. Or call the health dept if that is where you will go. DIfferent doctors do it differently. When my older were 9, they had the skin prick--5 yrs ago.

I had it a few months ago as it was a requirement for working in some hospitals in Southern Calitornia. It was a simple injection on my left forearm and I believe I had to check back in between 72 and 96 hours (I may not ha e that correct but there was a window). It wasn't the four pronged as a kid. Easy peasy.

I have only had the four pronged test. I guess you can call and find out which one they use.

have you tried google?
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I searched "tb test"

here's the top result

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/