Step-by-step Guide to Mantoux Testing
Have all equipment ready. Tubersol® 5 tuberculin units of PPD is recommended. Check expiry dates. Use a disposable tuberculin syringe and a ¼ to ½", 26 or 27 gauge needle with a short bevel.
Interpretation of Tuberculin Skin Test Results and Cut-points in Various Risk Groups
|
TST result |
Situation in which reaction is considered positive* |
|---|---|
|
0-4 mm |
Tuberculosis (TB) Poster
|
Latent TB Infection (LTBI) |
OR |
Active TB Disease |
|---|---|---|
|
TB germ has entered the body, but is not growing (dormant) |
Status |
What is BCG?
BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a vaccine for TB that is given in many countries. In Canada, it is only given to a small group of high risk people. BCG does not provide very much protection from TB disease.
Where can I get a TB skin test (TST)?
You can ask your primary health care provider (e.g., family doctor) for a TST.
What is a TB Skin Test (TST)?
A TB skin test is also known as a tuberculin skin test (TST). It shows if you have been exposed to the TB germ and have it in your body. This test is also called a Mantoux test. It is not a vaccine. A TST is safe during pregnancy.
Most Current Outbreaks
Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a relatively rare virus with potentially serious risks to some people.