The Mantoux tuberculin test is also known as a Tuberculosis skin test.The test measures your immune system's response to a disease.After the test, your results will be interpreted by your doctor.If you're curious about how to read a tuberculosis skin test, this article will guide you through the process, but remember: the test must be read by a trained professional.The result of the test needs to be documented by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and follow-up.
Step 1: You should go to your doctor for a skin test.
Within a few hours, you will be able to walk again after an injection of a purified protein derivative into the inner forearm.
Step 2: Don't expose your arm.
For the required 48 to 72 hours, do not place a bandage over the test site.You can wash and dry your arm.You should not rub the test area on your arm.This can cause redness or swelling that could cause the results to be wrong.If your arm is itchy, you can apply a cold cloth on it.
Step 3: Return to your doctor.
The test must be read within 72 hours.The test will have to be repeated if you don't come back within 72 hours.
Step 4: Find the duration and mark it.
The induration can be found by using your fingertips.This is a raised formation with definite borders.To mark the widest edges of the induration, use a pen.The hard bump is the most important part of the test.The reddened area is not counted towards the size of the induration.You can't always see what's happening.You need to find the induration with your hands.
Step 5: Measure the time it takes for something to happen.
The test site is red, but that doesn't mean you have Tuberculosis.You need to measure the duration.The induration is measured across your forearm.Use a ruler to measure.You can mark the ruler with a pen on the left edge of the raised bump.The ruler has a mark on the right side.The lower measurement is used if the mark is between two different lines.
Step 6: Determine if the individual is high-risk.
Positive in individuals in the high-risk group is defined as an induration of 5mm or more.This group includes people who have received organ transplants and have recently had contact with a person who is positive for Tuberculosis.
Step 7: The person should be in the moderate-risk group.
Positive people in the moderate-risk group are those who have an induration of 10mm or more.People who have recently arrived from a country with a lot of Tuberculosis use injection drugs in healthcare settings, prisons, nursing homes, or other similar areas have clinical conditions that put them at risk, like diabetes, leukemia, low body weight, and children and adolescents exposed to high.
Step 8: A large induration for everyone else is what you should look for.
The induration of 15mm or more is considered positive for those not in the high or moderate-risk group.All individuals are included regardless of their risk factors.If there are blisters, the test is positive.
Step 9: A negative result is what you should look for.
The result is negative if there is no firm bumping.It is a negative if there is soft swelling or redness, but no noticeable bumps that can be felt at the site.If you believe your skin test is negative, you must return to the doctor to have it professionally read.