Heaf test
Heaf test is a tuberculin skin test used for tuberculosis diagnosis. It was named after Frank Heaf, a British physician who developed the test. The Heaf test was widely used in the United Kingdom until it was replaced by the Mantoux test in 2005.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The Heaf test involves the use of a Heaf gun with six needles arranged in a circle. The gun is used to prick the skin with tuberculin antigen. After 2-3 days, the skin's reaction is examined and graded. The grading system ranges from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no reaction and 4 indicating a severe reaction.
Grading[edit | edit source]
The grading of the Heaf test is as follows:
- Grade 0: No reaction
- Grade 1: Induration of 1-4 puncture sites
- Grade 2: Induration of 5-6 puncture sites
- Grade 3: Coalescence of induration at puncture sites
- Grade 4: Coalescence of induration with blistering or necrosis
Interpretation[edit | edit source]
The interpretation of the Heaf test is based on the grading. A grade of 0 or 1 is considered negative, indicating no infection or past infection. A grade of 2, 3, or 4 is considered positive, indicating current or past infection.
Limitations[edit | edit source]
The Heaf test, like other tuberculin skin tests, has limitations. It may give false-positive results in individuals who have been vaccinated with BCG vaccine or infected with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. It may also give false-negative results in individuals with immunosuppression.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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