In this article, we will discuss the Mantoux test, its purpose, procedure and results related to the Mantoux test.
About the Mantoux Test
The Mantoux test, also known as the Pirquest test or Tuberculin Sensitivity Test(TST) is regarded as one of the standard methods to ascertain whether a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis or not. To analyze a suspect person’s sensitivity to tuberculin protein, the local reaction to Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative(PPD) is injected into that(suspected) person’s skin.
Who needs a Mantoux test?
The Mantoux test is performed on patients who show symptoms of Tuberculosis. This test can also be carried out on those persons who have spent considerable time with someone, diagnosed with Tuberculosis. This test is also for those who have visited a place where Tuberculosis is quite prevalent. Besides, this test is also for those healthcare providers who provide treatment for individuals with a high risk of Tuberculosis. In addition to the above, infants, children and adolescents who are vulnerable to Tuberculosis, will also require this test to ascertain whether they are infected with Tuberculosis or not.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis has the dubious distinction of infecting the lungs, brain, kidneys and spine. It is known to be a very serious bacterial infection. The bacteria of Tuberculosis can spread through coughing, sneezing, etc. Tuberculosis may also spread from an organ donated by a person who is already having this disease. Tuberculosis may be symptomatic or non-symptomatic.
The Age Group on Which this Test is Performed:
The Mantoux test is performed on children in the age group of 3 months to 6 years. Those children who live in high-risk environments are vulnerable to tuberculosis bacteria. Moreover, infants and children under six years of age may also go through this test, if they have stayed in a country of high endemic for more than three months.
In addition to the above-mentioned age groups, the Mantoux test can also be carried out on a person with a history of TB in a household in the last five years or those who have close contact with a person with known TB.
Administration of Mantoux Test
Tuberculin PPD RT 23 SSI, 2 T.U./01 ml, solution for injection:
- 1 dose =0.1 ml contains 0.04 microgram Tuberculin PPD.
- Store at 2 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius, fully protected from light.
- 1 ml graduated syringe fitted with a short bevel 26G(0.45*10 mn) needle
Procedure to Conduct the Mantoux Test
- 1 mL syringe is used to aspirate out 0.1Ml of PPD RT 23.
- On the volar surface of the forearm, the OPD is injected intradermally. The syringe is positioned at a 10-15 degree to the forearm and inserted just below the epidermis (about 2mm).
- After that, the needle is removed quickly. The use of dressing or massage is strictly prohibited. If injected properly, a well-defined bleb of 6-10 mm in diameter gets formed. If there is a bleb of <6mm, repeat the process 2. Cm from the process from the first site is needed.
- Then, the site, date and time of injection are marked down---on the forearm as well as in the patient’s record.
- After 2-3 days, i.e. in 48 to 72 hours, the test result is read by marking down the transverse diameter of induration, not erythema. This procedure is performed through Sokal’s ballpoint method.
- After the above-mentioned procedures, the largest transverse diameter of induration is measured and noted down in millimetres.
Uses of the Mantoux Test
Mantoux Test is used to identify whether a suspected person is exposed to Tuberculosis with or without any symptoms. This test is performed to analyse any immunological response in the skin of a suspected person who has been or is vulnerable to the germs of Tuberculosis. However, it is worthwhile to mention that consulting a doctor is a must for a final diagnosis.
Though Mantox Test happens to be quite crucial, false-positive and false-negative results can occur in some individuals.
If Mantoux Test Result is Positive
A positive result of the Mantoux Test means that it is most likely that the suspected person is infected with Tuberculosis. However, it does not necessarily mean that the suspected person has active bacteria of Tuberculosis. Here, consulting the Doctor is needed. After going through the report, the doctor may recommend any additional diagnostic tests so that he or she can say with absolute certainty whether the suspected person has Tuberculosis or not.
If the Mantoux Test is Negative
A negative result of the Mantoux test broadly suggests that the person, who has gone through this test, is quite unlikely to get infected with the bacteria of tuberculosis. When there is no skin reaction, a negative result of this test is shown. However, a negative test report alone is not the final word. The concerned doctor or a healthcare provider may recommend further tests to negate Tuberculosis, primarily if the patient does not have distinct symptoms of Tuberculosis.
Simply put, the Mantoux test is a very vital test for suspected Tuberculosis patients.
