Thanks for your reply, Will. The " skin test " which you mention is also known as the " Mantoux test " or " Tuberculin skin test ". It involves injecting a protein derivative of the TB " bug ". While a positive reaction ( firm red swelling ) can mean immunity, and either latent or active TB, a negative reaction may not rule out TB. In fact the skin and blood tests alone can’t distinguish active from latent TB – which is why specialist doctors are needed to assess all signs and symptoms for accurate diagnosis !


Regarding your chest infection, which thankfully has now cleared up, it’s impossible for me to answer your question as to whether or not this was TB – your GP would hopefully confirm that it wasn’t.