Common questions about Aplisol (FAQ)
Q: What kind of reactions are considered normal after receiving Aplisol?
A: The official product information indicates that localized reactions at the administration site are expected, as the test relies on an immune response. Common temporary side effects include injection site pain, discomfort, itching (pruritus), and redness (erythema). For a positive test result, a firm, raised swelling, called induration, is measured at the site.
Q: What is the difference between Aplisol and the Tuberculin PPD solution?
A: Aplisol is a specific commercial product, or brand name, that contains Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (PPD). According to the official description, PPD is the active ingredient—a sterile, purified protein fraction—which is the substance used to perform the tuberculosis skin test.
Q: Will taking cold medicine interfere with the Aplisol results?
A: Official regulatory documents do not specifically list common cold medicines as agents that interfere with the test. The primary documented interference is with prescription medicines that suppress the immune system, such as systemic corticosteroids, which can decrease the body's expected reaction to the test, potentially leading to a false-negative result.
Q: Can a previous vaccination affect the Aplisol test results?
A: Yes, previous vaccinations can influence the result. Official warnings state that live virus vaccines may temporarily suppress the test reaction, and regulatory guidance specifies timing requirements. Additionally, prior BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccination is known to cause cross-reactivity, which may influence the final interpretation of the test result.
Q: Is there any risk of getting the disease from the Aplisol test itself?
A: Official documentation indicates that Aplisol does not contain the active disease-causing bacteria, and therefore the test itself is not a source of infection. The solution is made from an inactive, purified protein derivative (PPD) and is designed only to detect the body's existing immune memory.
Q: How does a weak immune system affect the accuracy of the Aplisol test?
A: The test's diagnostic reliability relies on a strong cell-mediated immune response. According to official safety information, if a person has impaired immunity, such as those with HIV or on immunosuppressive therapy, the immune response may be suppressed. This suppression could potentially lead to a false-negative result, limiting the test’s usefulness.
Q: What is considered a positive result for the Aplisol test?
A: A positive result is determined by the size of the induration (the firm, raised area of swelling) professionally measured in millimeters 48 to 72 hours after administration. Official public health guidelines indicate that the specific millimeter threshold that defines a positive result (e.g., 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm) varies depending on the patient's individual risk factors for infection.
Q: Why are people asked about prior BCG vaccination before the test?
A: Healthcare providers ask about prior BCG vaccination history because this vaccine can cause a positive reaction due to cross-reactivity with the tuberculin solution. The official product information notes that this information is considered when interpreting the result to help distinguish a reaction caused by the vaccine from one caused by true infection.
Q: Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to Aplisol?
A: Yes, regulatory documents indicate that hypersensitivity reactions are possible, including severe immediate reactions like anaphylaxis. The product is officially contraindicated (must not be given) to persons with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Aplisol or any of its components.
Q: Does Aplisol cause a noticeable mark or scar long-term?
A: Localized injection site reactions are common, and in rare instances, a severe localized reaction such as ulceration or necrosis may occur, particularly in highly sensitized individuals. If a severe reaction occurs, it is noted that it may result in a noticeable mark or scar long-term.
Q: Is a red area after the test a bad sign?
A: Redness (erythema) at the injection site is listed in official documents as a common, temporary side effect related to the test's immune response. However, the diagnostic interpretation of the test is based solely on the size and firmness of the induration. Redness alone is not used to determine a positive result.
Q: Do you need a prescription to get the Aplisol test?
A: Yes, Aplisol is classified as a prescription-only drug. It is a sterile diagnostic biological agent that must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
Q: How long do the results from Aplisol typically last?
A: Tuberculin sensitivity, once established, tends to persist in the body, according to official guidance. While this sensitivity may decrease over many years, particularly with advancing age, there is no fixed, official expiration date or duration for the positive skin test result itself.
Q: Is the fluid injected during the Aplisol test considered harmful?
A: The injected solution is a sterile aqueous solution containing an inactivated purified protein derivative (PPD) and is intended solely for diagnostic use. It does not contain live bacteria, and the small amount used is intended only to elicit a temporary, localized immune reaction.
Q: Can I drink alcohol before or after the Aplisol test?
A: Official regulatory prescribing information does not document any known interactions between Aplisol and alcohol.
Q: Is there a different way to test if I've had a strong reaction before?
A: Yes, other immunological tests are available. Blood tests known as Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) may be used as an alternative diagnostic method, especially in persons who have experienced a severe reaction to a previous Tuberculin Skin Test (TST).
Q: What happens if I miss the reading appointment for Aplisol?
A: The official protocol requires the test result to be read by a trained professional within a strict time window of 48 to 72 hours after administration. If this window is missed and the patient does not return within 72 hours, the test result cannot be accurately interpreted, and the test protocol requires it to be repeated.
Q: How reliable is the Aplisol test compared to blood tests?
A: Both the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) using Aplisol and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), which are blood tests, are considered acceptable alternatives for diagnosing immune sensitization to the bacterium. The interpretation criteria for these two types of tests differ, and the choice depends on clinical setting and patient factors.
Q: What does 'purified protein derivative' mean in simple terms?
A: Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) refers to the sterile, active ingredient in Aplisol. In simple terms, it is a purified fraction of inactive proteins derived from the liquid culture where the tuberculosis-causing bacteria have grown. It is used to stimulate an immune reaction in the skin.
Q: Can using steroid creams on the skin affect the test result?
A: Official information indicates that systemic corticosteroids and high-dose topical corticosteroids can suppress the required immune response, potentially causing a false-negative result. The test should not be administered to skin areas with extensive eczema or lesions that could interfere with accurate interpretation of the size of the reaction.
Q: If the initial test is positive, what is the next step usually?
A: A positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) using Aplisol suggests the body has immune memory of exposure to the bacterium, but it does not determine whether active disease is present. The next step typically involves further diagnostic procedures, which often include a chest radiograph and appropriate bacteriological examinations to assess for active infection.
