Mantoux Test

Understanding Mantoux Test

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but potentially other organs as well. The disease can remain latent (inactive) without symptoms or progress to an active infection, causing symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The Mantoux test helps identify latent TB infection and supports active TB diagnosis when combined with clinical and radiological examinations.

No special preparation is required for the Mantou...

What does Mantoux Test measure?

The Mantoux Test, also called the Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test (TST), is used to detect if a person has been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. It involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin just beneath the skin on the forearm. The test measures the immune system’s response to this injection by checking for a raised, hard swelling (induration) at the site after 48 to 72 hours.