Mantouxtuberkuloositestissä

Mantouxtuberkuloositesti, often referred to as the Mantoux test or Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), is a diagnostic tool used to detect latent tuberculosis infection. It involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin solution just under the skin, typically on the forearm. The body's immune response to the injected tuberculin will, if a person has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria, cause a local reaction at the injection site.

After 48 to 72 hours, a healthcare professional measures the induration, or raised bump, that may have formed. The size of this induration is used to determine if the test is positive. A positive result indicates that the person's immune system has encountered tuberculosis bacteria at some point, but it does not distinguish between a latent infection (where the bacteria are inactive) and active tuberculosis disease.

Several factors can influence the interpretation of the Mantoux test, including vaccination history (BCG vaccine can cause a false positive in some individuals), other medical conditions, and the presence of certain medications. A positive Mantoux test usually warrants further investigation, such as a chest X-ray or sputum tests, to rule out active tuberculosis disease and determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may involve preventive therapy for latent infections. It is a widely used screening tool globally.