Identifying TB infection in children through the Mantoux skin test, also known as the Tuberculin Skin Test, is crucial for providing timely treatment.
Prior to conducting the test, your healthcare provider will gather relevant information and address any queries you may have. It is vital to inform about any previous positive Mantoux tests, TB history, or immunizations.
The test involves injecting Tuberculin under the skin to observe any reaction within 2-3 days. A positive result may necessitate further testing and treatment.
If the result turns out positive, additional care and a chest x-ray may be required for your child. A positive reaction on the skin test can manifest in various situations.
It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider after the Mantoux test to discuss next steps and any necessary treatment options. Regular monitoring and follow-up may be required to ensure the child’s health and well-being.
Tips for Care After Taking the Test
Avoid covering or scratching the injection site, as it may influence the results. Manage any blisters without popping them and ensure your child carries on with normal activities while keeping an eye on the reaction site.
It is important to keep the injection site clean and dry to prevent infection. If there is any redness, swelling, or increasing pain at the site, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out any toxins from the test.
Understanding Negative Results
A negative result might be inaccurate due to certain medications or illnesses. In such cases, another test on the alternate arm may be necessary.
For more information and resources, seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Explore the TB skin test procedure and interpretation in this informative fact sheet.
- Download the PDF version for printing: TB Skin Test (Mantoux) (PDF)
There are two phases of TB that can be treated with medication to prevent the development of active TB disease, which poses a risk of transmission.
Revealing Latent TB Infection
A TB skin test can uncover latent TB infection, requiring follow-up to determine the necessary course of action.
Detection of Latent TB Infection
Through a TB skin test, latent TB infection can be identified, leading to further evaluation if needed.
Precautions to Take
- Avoid covering, rubbing, or scratching the injection site.
- Use a cold cloth to alleviate itching and maintain proper arm hygiene.
Interpreting Negative Test Results
A negative TB skin test signifies no infection, but retesting may be essential in specific circumstances.
It is important to note that a negative TB skin test does not necessarily mean that a person is not infected with tuberculosis. It can take up to 8-10 weeks after exposure for the test to show positive results. Additionally, the test may not be accurate in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Understanding Positive Results
A positive TB skin test indicates latent TB infection, requiring confirmation and potential treatment.
Ensure the health of you and your family by following the recommendations for a TB skin test.
The TB skin test helps in identifying TB infection and distinguishing between latent and active TB conditions.
TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can affect various parts of the body, leading to specific symptoms.
Expert TB Skin Test Procedure at Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic
At Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, skilled professionals administer the TB skin test procedure to assess the status of TB infection.
The test reaction is interpreted 48-72 hours later to determine the outcome, considering factors like previous TB vaccination or recent infections that could influence the results.
If there is no reaction after 72 hours, rescheduling for another skin test is necessary.
TB Testing Recommendations in Canada
Canada has low global infection rates, but it’s crucial to know when a TB skin test is necessary. Testing is recommended for those exposed to infected individuals, having visited high TB areas, working in healthcare, having HIV, or being immuno-compromised.
Prevention and Management of TB in Canada
TB spreads through respiratory droplets, with symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, chills, and night sweats. TB can remain dormant in the body without being infectious and can be diagnosed through skin tests or other methods.
Antibiotics can treat TB after a positive test result, requiring several months of medication.
- Cost of TB Skin Test?
Prices vary; contact Brintnell Pharmacy for information on test procedures and pricing.
A positive Mantoux conversion is defined as a reaction change or an increase of ≥ 10 mm.
This conversion is linked to an annual incidence of 4-6% of TB disease.
Individuals who have received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine may have a positive Mantoux test result due to the immune response generated by the vaccine. This can make it challenging to interpret the Mantoux test results in these individuals. However, despite this challenge, the Mantoux test is still recommended for assessing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in BCG-vaccinated individuals.
It is important to consider the individual’s risk factors for TB when interpreting the Mantoux test results. As mentioned earlier, a skin test result of 10 mm or more is considered positive in BCG-vaccinated individuals who have been in contact with active TB, were born/lived in a high TB prevalence country, or have ongoing exposure to TB.
In some cases, additional testing such as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) may be used to help confirm the diagnosis of LTBI in BCG-vaccinated individuals with a positive Mantoux test result. These tests can help differentiate between a false positive Mantoux test result due to BCG vaccination and true LTBI.
In conclusion, despite the complexities involved in interpreting Mantoux test results in BCG-vaccinated individuals, the test remains an important tool for diagnosing LTBI in high-risk populations. It is essential to consider the individual’s risk factors and use additional testing as needed to accurately diagnose and treat LTBI in this population.
SITUATIONS WHERE MANTOUX TESTING IS NOT RECOMMENDED
Mantoux testing is not advised in the following situations:
– History of reactions with a size of ≥15 mm
– Previous TB infection
– Infants younger than 12 weeks old
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The technical challenges of the Mantoux test can lead to inaccurate results. The FDA-approved QuantiFERON test is a blood test used for diagnosing TB infection. It offers high sensitivity and specificity in TB diagnosis.
The current role of the QuantiFERON test in LTBI diagnosis is still uncertain.
Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
REFERENCES
Articles published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal are provided by Wolters Kluwer — Medknow Publications