All About Mantoux Sample

All about the Mantoux test

The Mantoux test is a method for studying the presence and strength of immunity to the causative agent of tuberculosis using a special drug, tuberculin. For countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, which includes Russia, this test is one of the effective measures for the early detection of tuberculosis.

The tuberculin used for the test was invented by Robert Koch in 1890. Nowadays a purified drug is used that does not contain foreign impurities.

The test is carried out by intradermal injection of 0.1 ml of tuberculin (2 TU) into the middle third of the inner surface of the forearm. After 72 hours, the size of the resulting infiltrate is measured. If its diameter is 5 mm or more in children and adolescents or 21 mm or more in adults, the reaction is considered positive.

A positive result may indicate infection with tuberculosis, but may also be due to a post-vaccination reaction. Therefore, it is important to monitor the dynamics of the test results.

The Mantoux test is safe and can be performed annually, starting at one year of age. There are some contraindications for acute and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The test should not be given on the same day as other vaccinations.