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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Mantoux Resources
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