Mantoux

Mantoux test is a diagnostic tool used to detect tuberculosis (TB). It is a standard method of determining whether a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. The test is named after Charles Mantoux, a French physician who developed the test in the early 20th century.

Procedure

The Mantoux test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin of the forearm. The injection is made using a small needle and syringe, which introduces the PPD under the skin to form a small bump. The test is read 48 to 72 hours after the injection, by measuring the size of the induration (swelling) in millimeters.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the Mantoux test depends on the person's risk factors for TB and their reaction to the test. A larger induration indicates a higher likelihood of TB infection. However, the test cannot distinguish between latent TB infection and active TB disease.

Limitations

The Mantoux test has several limitations. It may produce false-positive results in people who have been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine or who have been infected with non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. It may also produce false-negative results in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or malnutrition.

Alternatives

Alternatives to the Mantoux test include the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test and the T-SPOT.TB test, which are blood tests that measure the body's immune response to TB bacteria.

See also

• Tuberculosis diagnosis
• Tuberculin skin test
• Tuberculosis treatment

Mantoux Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia