tine test
Noun: A specific type of tuberculin skin test used to screen for tuberculosis infection. It involves a disposable device with several short, pointed tines (prongs) coated with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD). The device is pressed into the skin, typically on the forearm. A positive reaction, indicated by a hard, raised, red area (induration) at the test site after 48-72 hours, suggests past or present exposure to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and necessitates further diagnostic evaluation.
The term is used in medical and public health contexts to describe this particular screening procedure. - The school nurse administered a tine test to all new students as part of the health screening protocol. - A positive tine test does not confirm active disease but requires a follow-up chest X-ray and possibly a more precise test. - Due to its lower accuracy compared to the Mantoux test, the tine test is less commonly used in clinical practice today.
- Interpretation: The reading of a tine test focuses on the presence and size of (a hard, raised bump), not just general redness. The pattern of the tines can sometimes guide the measurement.
- Historical Context: While once a common screening tool, its use has declined in favor of the Mantoux test (which uses a single intradermal injection) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) due to concerns about the tine test's variable antigen dosage and lower specificity.
- Tuberculin test (n): The general category of skin tests for tuberculosis, which includes the tine test and the Mantoux test.
- PPD test (n): Short for Purified Protein Derivative test, often used synonymously with tuberculin skin tests, though it technically refers to the antigen used.
- Mantoux test (n): The standard intradermal tuberculin test administered with a needle and syringe, considered more accurate than the tine test.
- Tuberculin skin test (general term)
- Multiple-puncture test (descriptive term)
- Test positive/negative for TB: The common outcome description following a tine test or other TB screening.
- He had to see a specialist after he tested positive on the tine test.
- Follow-up testing: The subsequent medical evaluation required after a positive screening test.
- A positive tine test always requires follow-up testing to rule out active tuberculosis.
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a tuberculin test in which a disk with several tines bearing tuberculin antigen is used to puncture the skin; development of a hard red area indicates past or present exposure to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing
