The Mantoux tuberculin test is a Tuberculosis skin test.This 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 skin test for Tuberculosis, this article will guide you through the process, but remember: the test must be read by a trained professional.The result 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.It is possible to wash and dry your arm.You shouldn't 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, apply a cold cloth to it.
Step 3: Return to your doctor.
The test must be read in 72 hours.The test is invalid if you don't come back within 72 hours.
Step 4: Find and mark the duration.
The induration can be found using your fingertips.This is a raised formation with borders.To mark the widest edges of the induration on the forearm, 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 the duration.You need to find the induration with your fingers.
Step 5: Measure the duration.
The test site may be red, but that doesn't mean you have Tuberculosis.You have to measure the duration.The induration is measured across your forearm.Measure with a ruler.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 of it.The lower measurement is used if the mark is between two lines.
Step 6: Determine if the individual is high-risk.
Positive is defined as individuals in the high-risk group who have 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: For everyone else, look for a large induration.
The induration of 15mm or more is positive for those not in the high or moderate-risk group.All individuals are included regardless of their risk factors.The test is positive if blisters are present.
Step 9: A negative result is what you should look for.
The result is negative if there is no firm bump.It is a negative if there is soft swelling or redness, but no noticeable bumps that can be felt at the site.If your skin test is negative, you must return to the doctor to have it professionally read.