Has your doctor recommended that you have a Mantoux test? Or have you seen a family member or friend get one? Some people think that this is a vaccine to prevent tuberculosis, or a medicine to treat the disease. But that's actually a big misconception. It's just a test. So, let's talk about this exactly, simply, today.
What exactly is the Mantoux Test?
Simply put, the Mantoux test is a skin test that checks to see if you have ever been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. It's like a memory test to see if your body's immune system remembers it.
This involves injecting a very small amount of a purified protein from the tuberculosis bacteria, called Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative (PPD), under your skin. Remember, this is a purified protein, not a live tuberculosis bacteria. Therefore, this test will never give you tuberculosis. Don't worry about it.
The main purpose of this test is to find out if your body has been exposed to the TB germ before. If you have been exposed, your immune system will respond to this PPD protein. Doctors measure that response to make a diagnosis.
How do I do this test and see the results?
This is a very simple procedure. Usually, the skin on your forearm, below the elbow, is cleaned and the PPD solution is injected intradermally using a very small needle. A small blister will appear at that site. This is normal.
The most important thing: After getting the vaccine, your work is not over. You must definitely go back to the doctor or clinic within 48 to 72 hours (that is, in two or three days). That is when the results will be read. Do not skip this time, because if you do, the entire test will be wasted.
Two days later, the doctor not only checks to see if the injection site is red, but also measures the size of the induration that can be felt under the skin . That amount determines whether the test is positive or negative.
Important things to tell the doctor before the test
Certain details about your health condition may affect the results of this test. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about the following before the test.
| The situation that concerns you | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous Mantoux test. | For safety and to prevent such a reaction from happening again. |
| If you have HIV or AIDS, cancer, or another disease that weakens your immune system. | When the immune system is weak, the test result may be false negative even if there is a tuberculosis infection. |
| If you are taking steroid medications (e.g. Prednisone) or anti-cancer medications. | These medications can affect the results because they weaken the immune system. |
| If you suffer from diabetes, severe kidney disease, or malnutrition. | Under such conditions, the body's immune response may also change. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | Although this is generally safe during pregnancy, it is important to keep your doctor informed. |
| If you have recently received a live virus vaccine such as measles or chickenpox. | Such vaccines can temporarily reduce the response to the Mantoux test. |
Additionally, tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, herbs, or supplements you are taking. Some medications (e.g., immunosuppressants such as adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept) can directly affect the results of this test.
What are the side effects and things to watch out for?
This is a very safe test, but as with any medical procedure, there are some minor side effects that can occur.
Common conditions that are nothing to be afraid of
You may experience some redness, itching, slight pain, or a small bruise at the injection site. These usually go away on their own within a few days. Don't worry about it. But if it persists or bothers you, tell your doctor.
Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention
These are very rare cases, but if you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
- Severe allergic reactions: rash all over the body, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
If you need medical advice regarding a severe allergic reaction to a medication, you can also call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital and seek advice.
Should I be afraid if the test is positive?
No. This is where many people get it wrong. A positive Mantoux test does not mean that you have infectious, active TB.
This means that at some point in your life, the TB germ has entered your body and your immune system has recognized it. This is called latent TB infection .
In such a case, your doctor will next do some more tests, such as a chest X-ray, to confirm whether you have an active disease or a latent infection. So, don't panic if the test comes back positive. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- The Mantoux Test is a test to check for tuberculosis, not a cure or vaccine. It will not cause you to develop tuberculosis.
- After taking the test, be sure to go back to the doctor in two or three days (48-72 hours) to see the results. This is the most important thing.
- Before the test, tell the doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking (including Ayurvedic medicines).
- If the test is positive, don't worry. It doesn't mean you have infectious tuberculosis. The doctor will do further tests to determine the exact condition.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe swelling at the injection site or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න