
The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling). The reader should not measure erythema (redness).
What are the normal readings for Mantoux test?
- in older adults (estimated at 8% per year)
- when the initial Mantoux is < 14 mm
- in those where the initial positive reaction was a boosted result (identified by two-step testing).
What does positive reading on a Mantoux test mean?
A positive Mantoux test doesn't always mean someone has TB disease; it just means that the bacteria have been in the body at some time. Also, a diagnosis of tuberculosis is never based solely on a Mantoux/PPD tuberculosis test. False-positive reactions to the tuberculosis skin test can occur because of:
When do you say someone is positive of Mantoux test?
Some major causes of false positive Mantoux Test are:
- Infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)
- BCG vaccination.
- Administration of incorrect antigen.
- Incorrect interpretataion of results.
What does a positive Mantoux test indicate?
- a change from a negative to a positive reaction
- an increase of ≥ 10 mm.
- Conversion has been associated with an annual incidence of TB disease of 4% in adolescents[15] or 6% in contacts of smear-positive cases.[16]

How do you determine whether a Mantoux test is positive or negative?
The test is "negative" if there is no bump (or only a very small bump) at the spot where the fluid was injected. A negative TB skin test usually means that you don't have TB.
What is a positive Mantoux test reading?
Classification of the Tuberculin Skin Test Reaction. An induration of 5 or more millimeters is considered positive in. -People living with HIV. -A recent contact of a person with infectious TB disease. – People with chest x-ray findings suggestive of previous TB disease.
What should a TB test look like when reading?
A positive skin test will usually be followed by a chest X-ray. This can help determine the difference between active TB disease and latent TB infection. Your doctor will look for white spots that indicate areas where your immune system is responding to bacteria.
How many MM is a positive Mantoux test?
* For employees who are otherwise at low risk for TB and who are tested as part of an infection control screening program at the start of employment, a reaction of 15 mm is considered positive.
What will a positive TB test look like?
A positive TB skin test will look like a firm, red bump. Your provider will measure the size of the firmness of the bump (induration). Your provider considers your particular risk factors to determine the results of your test.
What is the normal range of Mantoux test?
Understanding results ofMantoux ScreeningReference RangeInterpretation5 to 9 mmEquivocal(Diameter of Induration)0 to 4 mmNegative10 mm and abovePositive
Is my TB test supposed to be red?
It does not mean you have an active TB infection. The test may be seen as positive if the skin where you were injected is hard, raised, red, and swollen. But redness alone is not considered a positive test result. In many cases, a healthy immune system will surround the TB bacteria soon after you are infected.
Why is my TB test still red?
Results. A tuberculin skin test is done to see if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB) (infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Redness alone at the skin test site usually means you have not been infected with TB bacteria. A firm red bump may mean you have been infected with TB bacteria at some time.
What does a 17mm induration mean?
Within 48 to 72 hours, a positive TB skin test is marked by an area of reddish induration greater than 10 mm. It is the induration (firm bump) that is gently palpated that determines the size, not the area of redness. This reaction is slightly larger than the average positive test 17 mm in size.
What is the significance of a 10 mm or larger induration in response to the Mantoux test?
The person's medical risk factors determine at which increment (5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm) of induration the result is considered positive. A positive result indicates TB exposure. Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings (e.g., prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, homeless shelters, etc.)
Is my TB test supposed to be red?
It does not mean you have an active TB infection. The test may be seen as positive if the skin where you were injected is hard, raised, red, and swollen. But redness alone is not considered a positive test result. In many cases, a healthy immune system will surround the TB bacteria soon after you are infected.
Why is my TB test still red?
Results. A tuberculin skin test is done to see if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB) (infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Redness alone at the skin test site usually means you have not been infected with TB bacteria. A firm red bump may mean you have been infected with TB bacteria at some time.
What is a mantoux test?
A tuberculosis skin test is also known as the Mantoux tuberculin test. This test measures your immune system's response to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Your results will be interpreted by your doctor a couple of days after the test. If you're curious about how to read a tuberculosis skin test, ...
What is induration of 5mm?
Determine if the individual is in the high-risk group. An induration of 5mm or more is categorized as positive in individuals in the high-risk group. This group includes people who have:
How to read a tuberculosis skin test?
To read a tuberculosis skin test, start by going to the doctor for a test, which involves an injection that will cause a welt on your arm. If the welt is a soft bump, the results are likely negative. However, if it's a hard, dense, raised formation, the results may be positive. Regardless of your results, make sure to return to your doctor within ...
How long does it take to interpret a TB skin test?
However, for the test to be medically valid, a licensed medical professional must interpret the test within the appropriate time frame (48 to 72 hours after administration). Thanks! Yes No.
How to get rid of welts on arm?
1. Go to your doctor for the tuberculosis skin test. You will be given an injection of a purified protein derivative into the inner forearm that will result in a 6-10 mm welt that will disappear within a few hours.
How long should you wait to wash your arm after a blood test?
Leave your arm uncovered. Do not place a bandage over the site of the test for the required 48 to 72 hours. You can wash and dry your arm carefully. You also should not scratch or rub the test area on your arm. This can cause redness or swelling that may cause the results to be misread.
Can you see induration on a test?
The reddened area or any slight swelling does not count towards the size of the induration. You cannot always see the induration. You must find the induration with your fingertips.
What to do when reading a tuberculin skin test?
In review, remember: when you read the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, you should collect the appropriate supplies; inspect the site; palpate the induration; mark the induration; measure the induration, not the erythema; and record the measurement.
How many people are infected with TB?
An estimated 2 billion people, or one third of the world's population, are infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. One reason so many people are infected with TB is that it’s spread through the air from one person to another.
What is the last part of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test?
The last part of the procedure is to read the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. The method demonstrated in this videotape is based on the palpation method. The steps include collecting supplies; inspecting the site; palpating, marking, and measuring the induration; and recording the measurement.
Where can I get a Mantoux test?
Additional resources and information on the Mantoux tuberculin skin test can be obtained from the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, CDC and the TB Regional Training and Medical Consultation Centers.
Is the Mantoux test accurate?
Although it takes practice to perform the Mantoux skin test accurately and reliably, the skills and knowledge you develop in administering and reading the Mantoux tuberculin skin test will help you play an important role in TB control.
What is latent TB infection?
There are two phases of TB. Both phases can be treated with medicine. When TB germs first enter your body, they cause latent TB infection. Without treatment, latent TB infection can become active TB disease. Anyone can get TB because it spreads from one person to another through the air.
How can I tell if I have latent TB infection?
A TB skin test ("Mantoux") can show if you have latent TB infection. You could have latent TB infection if you have ever spent time close to someone with active TB disease (even if you didn't know they were sick).
What if my TB skin test is negative?
The test is "negative" if there is no bump (or only a very small bump) at the spot where the fluid was injected. A negative TB skin test usually means that you don't have TB.
What if my TB skin test is positive?
The test is "positive" if there is a bump of a certain size where the fluid was injected. This means you probably have TB germs in your body. Most people with a positive TB skin test have latent TB infection. To be sure, your doctor will examine you and give you a chest x-ray. You may need other tests to see if you have active TB disease.
What is the Mantoux test?
The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is one method of determining whether a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Reliable administration and reading of the TST requires standardization of procedures, training, supervision, and practice.
How old do you have to be to get a TST?
Most persons can receive a TST. TST is the recommended method of testing for children younger than 5 years of age. It should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that either a TST or TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay [IGRA]), can be used in children 2 years and older.
What is latent TB?
Diagnosis of Latent TB Infection. A diagnosis of latent TB infection is made if a person has a positive TB test result and a medical evaluation does not indicate TB disease. The decision about treatment for latent TB infection will be based on a person’s chances of developing TB disease by considering their risk factors.
What is the best treatment for latent TB?
There are several treatment regimens for the treatment of latent TB infection. These regimens use the drugs isoniazid, rifapentine, or rifampin.
What is a TB blood test?
Incorrect antigen used. A TB blood test is the preferred method of testing for people who have received the BCG vaccine in order to prevent false-positive reactions. TB blood tests are also called interferon-gamma release assays or IGRAs.
How long does it take to read a TST?
How is the TST Read? The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration by a health care worker trained to read TST results. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test.
How to diagnose TB?
Diagnosis of TB Disease. TB disease is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray, and other laboratory tests. TB disease is treated by taking several drugs as recommended by a health care provider.
How many units are in a Mantoux test?
In the United States, the Mantoux tuberculin skin test consists of an intradermal injection of exactly one tenth of a milliliter (mL), which contains 5 tubercul in units. 6 Syringe and needle technologies continue to evolve to help prevent needlestick injuries.
What is the last part of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test?
The last part of the procedure is to read the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. The method demonstrated in this videotape is based on the palpation method. The steps include collecting supplies; inspecting the site; palpating, marking, and measuring the induration; and recording the measurement.
What is the standard test for TB?
In the United States, the Mantoux tuberculin skin test has been the standard method for detecting latent TB infection since the 1930s. The skin test is used to evaluate people for latent TB infection. It’s primarily used in two situations.
How many tests can you take with a tuberculin vial?
The multidose vials contain tuberculin for either 10 or 50 tests. The tuberculin is administered using a single-dose disposable tuberculin syringe that has a one- quarter to one-half inch, 27-gauge needle with a short bevel.
Why is the 5- to 15 degree angle important?
The 5- to 15-degree angle is very important because this layer of skin is very thin. For an intradermal injection, the needle bevel is advanced through the epidermis, the superficial layer of skin, approximately 3 mm so that the entire bevel is covered and lies just under the skin.
Where can I get a Mantoux test?
Additional resources and information on the Mantoux tuberculin skin test can be obtained from the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, CDC and the TB Regional Training and Medical Consultation Centers.
What are the steps of a syringe injection?
This part of the procedure includes preparation steps, injection steps, and final steps. The preparation steps include collecting supplies, providing patient education, washing your hands, locating and cleaning the injection site, and preparing the syringe.
