•  
  •  

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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Last Revised April 15, 2011

Last Revised: April 15, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.