Definition

Noun: A diagnostic medical procedure that involves injecting a small amount of purified tuberculin protein derivative into the skin, typically on the forearm. The body's reaction (induration or swelling) at the injection site after 48-72 hours is measured to determine if a person has been infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It indicates a cellular immune response, signifying either past infection or current disease.

Usage

The test is a standard screening tool for tuberculosis infection. It does not distinguish between latent (inactive) infection and active disease; a positive result requires further investigation, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test.

Examples

• Noun:
  • All new healthcare workers must undergo a tuberculin skin test as part of their employment screening.
  • A positive tuberculin skin test led to further diagnostic tests for active tuberculosis.
  • The nurse administered the tuberculin skin test and instructed the patient to return in 72 hours for the reading.

Advanced Usage

• "to read a tuberculin skin test": To measure and interpret the induration (firm swelling) at the test site after the designated time.
  • The physician will read the tuberculin skin test tomorrow to check for a reaction.
• "tuberculin skin test conversion": A change from a negative to a positive test result, indicating a new infection.
  • Annual screening detected a tuberculin skin test conversion in the nursing student.

Variants and Related Words

• Mantoux test: The specific, standard technique for administering the tuberculin skin test using a precise intradermal injection.
  • The Mantoux test is the only recommended method for the tuberculin skin test.
• PPD test (Purified Protein Derivative test): Another common name for the tuberculin skin test, referring to the antigen used.
  • The PPD test is another term for the tuberculin skin test.
• Tuberculin: (Noun) The sterile extract used in the test.
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA): (Noun) A type of blood test that is an alternative to the tuberculin skin test for detecting TB infection.

Synonyms

• Mantoux test
• PPD test
• Tuberculin test

Related Phrases

• "to place a tuberculin skin test": To administer the test.
  • The clinic nurse will place the tuberculin skin test today.
• "positive/negative tuberculin skin test": Describing the result of the test.
  • A negative tuberculin skin test generally means no infection is present.

Noun

1. a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin