Tuberculin Skin Tests

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 health professional 2 to 3 days after the test to have the skin test checked.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 18, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Alfred A. Lardizabal, MD - Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine/Tuberculosis
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise 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.