Prab at 02:54, 22 May 2023

2023-05-22T02:54:17Z

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The '''Mantoux test''' is a widely utilized diagnostic tool for detecting infection by ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'', the bacterium responsible for [[tuberculosis]] (TB). It measures the body's immune response to a derivative of the bacterium, rather than the bacterium itself<ref>{{cite journal |last=Stewart |first=RJ |title=Mantoux test and its interpretation |journal=Indian Dermatol Online J |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=2–6 |year=2011 |pmid=22345773 |doi=10.4103/2229-5178.79850}}</ref>.
[[File:Mantoux tuberculin skin test.jpg|thumb|Mantoux tuberculin skin test]]
[[File:Negative Mantoux Test.jpg|thumb|Negative Mantoux Test]]
[[File:Mantoux Test 48h.jpeg|thumb|Mantoux Test 48h]]
==Procedure==

The test is administered by injecting a small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the dermis layer of the skin, usually on the inner forearm. The injection site is observed after 48-72 hours to determine the body's reaction to the tuberculin<ref>{{cite journal |last=Menzies |first=D |title=Interpretation of repeated tuberculin tests. Boosting, conversion, and reversion |journal=American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine |volume=159 |issue=1 |pages=15–21 |year=1999 |pmid=9872819 |doi=10.1164/ajrccm.159.1.9804054}}</ref>.

==Interpretation==

The key feature of the Mantoux test is the size of the induration (a hard, raised area), not the redness, at the injection site after 48-72 hours. The diameter of the induration is measured in millimeters. The interpretation of the test depends on the size of the induration and the patient's risk factors for tuberculosis<ref>{{cite web |title=Guidelines for the investigation of contacts of persons with infectious tuberculosis |url=https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5415a1.htm |publisher=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |accessdate=2023-05-18}}</ref>.

==Limitations and False Results==

The test does not differentiate between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis disease. It also does not distinguish between infection acquired recently and that acquired in the past. False-negative results may occur in individuals with impaired immune systems, while false-positive results can occur in those vaccinated with the BCG vaccine or infected with non-tuberculous mycobacteria<ref>{{cite journal |last=Farhat |first=M |title=False-positive tuberculin skin tests: what is the absolute effect of BCG and non-tuberculous mycobacteria? |journal=The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease |volume=10 |issue=11 |pages=1192–1204 |year=2006 |pmid=17131765}}</ref>.

==Follow-up Testing==

A positive Mantoux test indicates exposure to ''M. tuberculosis'' and warrants further investigation, such as a chest X-ray or sputum culture, to differentiate between latent infection and active disease.

==See Also==

* [[Tuberculosis]]
* [[Latent tuberculosis]]
* [[BCG vaccine]]
==References==
<references />

[[Category:Medical tests]]
[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
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Mantoux test - Revision history

Prab at 02:54, 22 May 2023