tuberculin test
Noun: A medical procedure that involves introducing tuberculin (a purified protein derivative from the tuberculosis bacterium) into or under the skin to determine if a person has or has had an immune response to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. A positive reaction, typically indicated by swelling or hardening at the test site, suggests past or present infection.
The term is used to refer to the specific diagnostic procedure itself. - All new healthcare workers must undergo a tuberculin test. - The doctor interpreted the results of the tuberculin test.
- "to administer a tuberculin test": to perform the procedure of giving the test.
- The nurse will administer the tuberculin test on your forearm.
- "a positive/negative tuberculin test": describes the result of the procedure.
- A positive tuberculin test requires further evaluation, such as a chest X-ray.
- Mantoux test (n): The standard, most common method of administering the tuberculin test, where a small amount of tuberculin is injected intradermally.
- The Mantoux test is the preferred tuberculin skin test.
- PPD test (n): (Purified Protein Derivative test) Another name for the standard tuberculin skin test.
- The PPD test is read 48 to 72 hours after administration.
- Tuberculin skin test (TST): The full, descriptive name for the procedure.
- PPD skin test: A synonym emphasizing the purified protein derivative used.
This term refers specifically to the skin test. A positive result indicates an immune response (sensitization) to the bacteria, but it does not, by itself, distinguish between latent tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis disease. Further medical assessment is always required after a positive result.
- a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin