Understanding the MT (Mantoux) Test for Tuberculosis

Questions and Answers

To prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

To monitor the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment.

To diagnose active tuberculosis infection.

To determine if someone has been infected with tuberculosis. (correct)

A purified protein derivative of the tuberculosis bacterium. (correct)

A vaccine against tuberculosis.

A live tuberculosis bacterium.

An antibody specific for tuberculosis.

24-48 hours

1 week

48-72 hours (correct)

72-96 hours

A raised, hard bump (induration) at the injection site. Signup and view all the answers

5mm Signup and view all the answers

10mm Signup and view all the answers

15mm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Also known as the Mantoux test, it is a diagnostic tool used to determine if someone has been infected with tuberculosis (TB)
Not a perfect test, but it is widely used due to its simplicity and relatively low cost

A small amount of a substance called tuberculin is injected just beneath the skin of the forearm
The tuberculin is a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the TB bacterium
The test is read 48-72 hours later by a healthcare professional
A positive reaction indicates that the person's immune system has reacted to the PPD, suggesting previous exposure to TB

A positive result is indicated by a raised, hard bump (induration) at the injection site
The size of the induration is measured in millimeters
A reaction of 5mm or more is considered positive for people with HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or those taking immunosuppressive therapy
A reaction of 10mm or more is considered positive for people with a high risk of TB exposure, such as healthcare workers
A reaction of 15mm or more is considered positive for people with a low risk of TB exposure

Known as the Mantoux test, utilized to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) infection.
Valued for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, despite not being a definitive test.

A small tuberculin amount, a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the TB bacterium, is injected subcutaneously in the forearm.
Test results are assessed by a healthcare professional after 48-72 hours.
A positive test reveals an immune response to PPD, indicating prior TB exposure.

A positive reaction is identified by a raised, hard bump (induration) at the injection site.
Induration size is quantified in millimeters.
5mm or more: positive for individuals with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or those on immunosuppressive therapy.
10mm or more: positive for high-risk populations, including healthcare workers.
15mm or more: positive for individuals at low risk for TB exposure.