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The TB (Tuberculosis) Skin Test (Mantoux)This fact sheet gives information about how the skin test is given and read, and what the results mean. On this page:
TB Skin Test (Mantoux) - English (PDF: 82KB/2 pages)
The tuberculosis (TB) skin test, sometimes called a “Mantoux,” is a simple, harmless way to find out if you have latent TB infection.
What is latent TB infection?There are two phases of TB. Both phases can be treated with medicine. When TB germs first enter your body, they cause latent TB infection. Without treatment, latent TB infection can become active TB disease. Anyone can get TB because it spreads from one person to another through the air.
How can I tell if I have latent TB infection?A TB skin test (“Mantoux”) can show if you have latent TB infection. You could have latent TB infection if you have ever spent time close to someone with active TB disease (even if you didn’t know they were sick). Your health care provider will use a small needle to inject some harmless testing fluid (called “tuberculin”) under the skin on your arm. Your health care provider MUST check your arm 2 or 3 days after the TB skin test, even if your arm looks OK to you. If you have a reaction to the test, it will look like a raised bump. Your health care provider will measure the size of the reaction. If there is a bump, it will go away in a few weeks. How do I take care of my arm after the TB skin test?
What if my TB skin test is negative?The test is “negative” if there is no bump (or only a very small bump) at the spot where the fluid was injected. A negative TB skin test usually means that you don’t have TB. In some situations, you may need to have another TB skin test later. What if my TB skin test is positive?The test is “positive” if there is a bump of a certain size where the fluid was injected. This means you probably have TB germs in your body. Most people with a positive TB skin test have latent TB infection. To be sure, your doctor will examine you and give you a chest x-ray. You may need other tests to see if you have active TB disease.
You should have a TB skin test if:
What if I’ve had BCG vaccine?Even if you have had BCG vaccine, you can have a TB skin test.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division. |
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Updated Monday, 11-Feb-2008 09:05:55 CST