Ranchi: Skin TB testing is all set to start at the govt hospitals across the district from next month for detecting tuberculosis infections quickly and efficiently. According to experts, the new testing method is a simple, painless, and comfortable procedure that involves a small injection under the skin.
Results will be available within 48 to 72 hours, making it a quick and efficient solution for diagnosing TB. If the induration (swelling) exceeds 5 mm, the patient will be considered TB-infected and prescribed TPT (tuberculosis preventive treatment) medicine. If the reaction is smaller, the patient will be tested again after two months.
Earlier, TB detection relied mainly on the “balgam test” (sputum test), which required collecting phlegm samples from the lungs and testing them for TB. The skin TB test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (PPD) under the skin on the forearm and checking for a reaction (swelling) after 48-72 hours. A positive result indicates a possible TB infection, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Civil surgeon Prabhat Kumar stated, “The state govt has allocated 240 vials for skin TB testing, aiming to improve TB diagnosis efficiency. This initiative is expected to improve TB detection and treatment, ensuring faster detection and timely care, which will ultimately save lives and enhance healthcare outcomes in the district. The skin test is more reliable.”
According to officials, TB eradication efforts in the district have been making steady progress. In 2024, the district aimed to treat 7,700 TB patients, of which 1,689 received care. In 2025, the target increased to 8,138 TB patients, with 1,386 cases already identified this year.
Health workers, including sahiyas, have been conducting door-to-door screenings, covering 43,642 people so far. Among them, 525 potential TB cases were detected.
Additionally, as part of the BCG vaccination programme, 22,568 people were immunised last year to prevent TB infections. Moreover, TB elimination efforts, with 13 panchayats including Tundaulli, Ormanjhi Khas, Ichadag, Pancha, Banta Hazam, Kuchu, Angara, Sursu, Jawahar, Tunju, Gabhreya, Kanchi, and Raladih being declared TB-free.
