Tine test

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Tine Test

The Tine Test (pronounced: /taɪn tɛst/) is a diagnostic tool used in the field of medicine to detect the presence of tuberculosis in a patient. The term "Tine" is derived from the Latin word "tinea", which means "a worm". This is in reference to the worm-like appearance of the tuberculin protein used in the test.

Procedure

The Tine Test involves the application of a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin to the skin using a device with multiple short prongs or "tines". The device is pressed into the skin, usually on the forearm, to create a series of small punctures. The patient's immune response to the tuberculin is then observed over a period of 48 to 72 hours.

Interpretation

The results of the Tine Test are interpreted by measuring the size of the induration (swelling) at the site of the test. A larger induration typically indicates a positive reaction, suggesting that the patient has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

Limitations

While the Tine Test is a useful screening tool, it is not definitive. A positive result does not necessarily mean the patient has active tuberculosis, as it can also indicate past exposure or vaccination. Similarly, a negative result does not rule out the possibility of tuberculosis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski