Mantoux Test and Tuberculin Skin Test

Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test Overview

The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is used for diagnostic purposes to detect infection related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test helps to assess the immunological response present on the skin of the patient when exposed to the tuberculosis-carrying germs. Globally, millions of people face death due to TB that affects the lungs, further impacting kidney, brain, and spine. One of the concerns is that people with TB don't exhibit any early symptoms. However, when patients start showing certain symptoms, doctors recommend the Mantoux tuberculin skin test.

During the Mantoux test and tuberculin skin test, the clinician would inject a tiny quantity of pure protein derivative (PPD) on the forearm. Doctors can determine whether a TB infection is present by looking at the body's immunological response to this chemical. It is an easy, affordable, and widely utilized screening technique, particularly in high-risk groups.

Why is the Mantoux tuberculin skin test prescribed?

There are different reasons why doctors recommend undergoing the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. Some of these are-

Tuberculosis Infection Screening

The test helps to determine whether a person may have latent tuberculosis infection, which is characterized by the presence of the bacterium in the body but no symptoms. This test is widely advised for healthcare workers before working in the sector and for individual travelled back from the region where TB is common.

Close Communication with TB Patients

To check for potential infection, people who have had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis are recommended to get this test.

Regular or Pre-Employment Health Examinations

The Mantoux test may be mandatory for healthcare professionals and those who operate in high-risk settings as part of regular health evaluations.

Components of Mantoux Test and Tuberculin Skin Test

The Mantoux test result comes in two ways- Positive and Negative. Doctors would interpret the result and provide you with the medication accordingly.

Positive Result

A positive Mantoux test indicates a probable exposure to tuberculosis bacteria, but it does not indicate actual tuberculosis. If a person does not exhibit any signs of tuberculosis, they may eventually get the illness.

Negative Result

If the result is negative, it says the individual is unlikely to have been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria. When there is no skin reaction, the outcome is considered negative.

Preparation and Procedure

There is no special preparation needed to undergo the Mantoux test and tuberculin skin test. However, you need to provide details about your medical history. The procedure of this test like other tests. A small amount of PPD is injected under the skin for testing purposes.