Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test

Picture of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test being administered

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). http://www.cdc.gov

During a Mantoux (PPD) tuberculin skin test, TB antigens are injected under the top layer of skin. A positive reaction, usually a firm red bump where the needle went into your skin, means you were exposed to TB bacteria. This test does not reveal whether you have active TB, which can be spread to others. A trained health professional must interpret your test.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerR. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Last RevisedApril 15, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 15, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology

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