The PPD or tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test is a method of screening for tuberculosis or for the detection of tuberculosis infection.
It is among the most popular tuberculin skin test used around the globe, mostly replacing multiple-puncture techniques like the tinea test. In fact, the PPD test was created to help in making the tuberculosis diagnosis process easier and faster.
First and foremost, it is important to note that when a person has the test done, he or she does not have to submit to any other testing as a result. For example, when the person is given an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) to determine the presence of M. tuberculosis, the person does not have to undergo another skin test for the confirmation of a positive result.
As the PPD test, is designed for tuberculins, the test is often referred to as a tuberculin screen test. Basically, it is done by a physician to screen for the presence of M. tuberculosis. The physician will determine whether the individual is positive or negative based on the skin biopsy of the skin sample. If the individual does not have the disease, there will be no need for the skin biopsy, and this is what gives the screen the name of tuberculin screen test.
The test is performed in a hospital or medical center by obtaining a tuberculin biopsy or skin biopsy from the affected individual. The physician who administers the test will also conduct the skin biopsy by using an instrument called a tuberculinoscope.
Once the doctor has collected enough samples to form a diagnosis for the patient, the sample will then be sent to a laboratory for testing.
The PPD test will use the results from the laboratory to determine if there is a positive result for M. tuberculosis.
In order to obtain the skin biopsy, the physician collects the affected area of the patient’s skin and punctures it with a tuberculin probe. The tuberculin probe contains a color fluorescent dye that will glow when exposed to M. tuberculosis. Once the dye penetrates the skin, the sample can be collected by placing the tuberculin probe inside the skin.
After the sample is collected, it is sent to a lab and will be examined under the microscope. to determine if there are positive results for M. tuberculosis. If the test confirms that the patient does have the disease, a tuberculin sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
It is important that the doctor in charge of administering the test should always provide the patient with an instruction manual and instructions on how to interpret the results. If an incorrect test result is obtained, the patient should call the medical staff and ask for clarification. In case of misdiagnosis, the patient should call back the physician as soon as possible.
The PPD test has several variations that are available for interpreting the results.
The first variation of the test is the “simple” variation that involves the physician placing a tuberculin probe inside the patient’s skin and then taking the sample. The second variation of the test is the “complex” version that involves the physician placing a tuberculin probe inside the patient’s skin and taking the sample under different light conditions. The third variation of the test is the “probabilistic” version that involves the physician putting the patient’s sample under a microscope and taking the sample based on certain criteria.
In addition, there are different procedures for interpreting the results. The results will vary depending on the specific specimen used. The specimen may include samples of the patient’s blood, urine or other bodily fluids such as saliva.
The test results from the test are normally made available to the patients as a result of a follow up visit to the physician. The patient will be sent a notice informing them that the test was conducted. A written evaluation will be sent to the patient for their information.
The test is usually done on a regular basis. There are some cases where the test is done less often. The test has been called the “gold standard” and most doctors will perform the test more than once. However, it is highly recommended that the test be done at least every three years to monitor the progression of the disease.