It means that TB bacteria have invaded your body. Because older people may have a poorer immune response, a two-step test method is used. If the first test is negative, the test is repeated in 7 to 10 days. If your PPD test is positive, close family members should also have the test. However, if bacteria have attacked your lungs, the damage will show on a chest x-ray.
Sputum is material coughed up from the lungs.
It may include mucus and blood. A sample of sputum coughed up from the lungs can be viewed with a microscope to see if it contains TB bacteria. It may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for a sputum culture to give definite results. If you have active TB, you will be treated with medicines at home or in the hospital. You will probably be given several medicines, which you will need to take for several months.