Tuberculin Skin Test

Mantoux Test, TB Skin Test

How It Is Done

For a tuberculin skin test, you sit down and turn the inner side of your forearm up. The skin where the test is done is cleaned and allowed to dry. A small shot of the TB antigen (purified protein derivative, or PPD) is put under the top layer of skin. The fluid makes a little bump (wheal) under the skin. A circle may be drawn around the test area with a pen. See an illustration of a person receiving a Mantoux test .

Do not cover the site with a bandage. You must see your doctor 2 to 3 days after the test to have the skin test checked.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 23, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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