The test may be falsely negative within ten weeks of infection, in those less than six months old, and in those who have been infected for many years.

Alternative skin test methods include:
* The tine test, which uses a "button" with four to six short needles coated with tuberculin instead of an injection. It is easier to administer. It has comparable results if "doubtful" indications are treated as positive. The US CDC and the American Thoracic Society