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Mantoux Test
Also Known As : Mantoux Test, Tuberculin Test (2TU), TST
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Brief Details
What Is a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)?
The Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) is a standard diagnostic tool used to screen for exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. Unlike blood-based tests, this procedure involves intradermal injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) and does not require a separate biological sample. Instead, a healthcare professional injects a small amount of tuberculin fluid just under the skin of your forearm. The test helps detect latent TB infection (where bacteria are present but inactive). A positive test supports, but does not confirm, the diagnosis of active TB disease.
What Does the Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Measure?
The Mantoux test measures your immune system's response to tuberculosis bacteria through several key indicators:
- Immune system recognition: It checks if your body has developed immunity after exposure to TB bacteria.
- Skin reaction measurement: The test measures the size of swelling (induration) that develops at the injection site.
- TB exposure indication: A positive reaction indicates prior sensitization to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, which may result from infection, BCG vaccination, or exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
- Delayed hypersensitivity response: It evaluates your body's cell-mediated immune response to tuberculin proteins.
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU): Who Needs It and Why It's Done
What Symptoms May Call for a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)?
Your doctor may recommend the Mantoux test if you experience symptoms that could suggest tuberculosis infection:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, sometimes producing blood-streaked sputum (hemoptysis).
- Unexplained fever, particularly in the evening
- Significant weight loss and loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Chest pain
- General fatigue and weakness
Who Should Get a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)?
Several groups of people benefit from Mantoux testing for early detection and prevention:
- People with TB symptoms: Anyone showing signs mentioned above.
- High-risk individuals: Those in close contact with TB patients, healthcare workers, or people with weakened immune systems.
- Immunocompromised patients: Individuals with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease
- Medication users: People taking immunosuppressant drugs like steroids or medications for autoimmune conditions.
- Preventive screening: Individuals living in high TB prevalence areas or crowded settings.
Why Is a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Done?
The Mantoux test serves as a primary screening tool to identify individuals who may have TB infection. It allows doctors to proceed with further diagnostic tests and begin timely treatment to prevent disease progression and spread.
Importance of a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)
The Mantoux test plays a crucial role in tuberculosis control and public health management. It provides early detection through simple, cost-effective screening of large populations, helping identify both active and latent TB infections.
The test guides further diagnosis by signalling doctors to conduct additional tests like chest X-rays and sputum analysis when results are positive. Most importantly, it enables preventive therapy for latent TB infections, significantly reducing the risk of developing active disease later in life, especially when immunity weakens.
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India
How to Book a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)', choose a convenient time slot and visit the nearest Metropolis Lab for the test administration.. - Sample Tracking Updates
Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or download them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app..
Is Home Sample Collection for the Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Available Near You?
No, home sample collection is not available for the tuberculin Test. Our trained professionals ensure proper handling and processing at our accredited facilities. With our extensive network of 10,000 touchpoints in over 750 towns in India, we're committed to making diagnostic testing accessible while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for your test analysis.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Report?
Reports are usually available within 3 days once the sample reaches the lab.
Where Can I See or Get Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.
Interpreting Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Results
What Your Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Results May Indicate
The following table explains how your Mantoux test results are interpreted based on the size of the skin reaction:
|
Parameter |
Reference Range |
Low Values |
High Values |
|
Mantoux test (2 TU PPD) |
Negative: 0-4 mm |
A negative result indicates no significant exposure to TB bacteria or an inability to mount an immune response. |
A positive result suggests prior exposure or infection and requires further evaluation with chest X-ray, sputum microscopy, or molecular tests (e.g., CBNAAT or culture). |
Note: Interpretation depends on individual risk factors. Always consult your healthcare provider for correlation with clinical findings and other investigations.
Conditions that May Affect Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Accuracy
Several factors can influence your Mantoux test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:
- Immune system conditions: Weakened immunity due to HIV, cancer, or other immunosuppressive conditions may cause false-negative results.
- Medications: Steroids, chemotherapy drugs, or immunosuppressing medications can interfere with skin reactions.
- Recent infections: Viral infections like measles, influenza, or recent TB exposure within 8–10 weeks may affect results.
- Age factors: Very young children (under 6 months) or elderly individuals may have reduced immune responses.
- BCG vaccination: BCG vaccination, especially if given after infancy, can cause false-positive reactions unrelated to TB infection.
- Severe TB disease: Overwhelming tuberculosis infection may paradoxically cause negative results.
How Is a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Done?
The Mantoux test procedure involves several simple steps performed by trained healthcare professionals:
- Skin preparation: The inner forearm area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- Injection administration: 0.1 ml of purified protein derivative (PPD) containing 2 TU (tuberculin units) is injected intradermally into the inner forearm.
- Immediate observation: A small, pale bump (wheal) appears at the injection site, which disappears within hours.
- Return appointment: You must return within 48-72 hours for result reading.
- Result measurement: The healthcare provider measures the diameter of the indurated area (not redness) across the forearm, in millimetres.
- Interpretation: Results are interpreted based on induration size and your risk factors.
How Should You Prepare for a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)?
Preparing for your Mantoux test is straightforward with minimal requirements:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Medication disclosure: Inform your doctor about all medications, especially immunosuppressant drugs.
- Schedule availability: Ensure you can return for result reading within 48-72 hours.
- Skin area preparation: Keep the inner forearm area clean and accessible.
- Medical history: Share information about previous TB exposure, BCG vaccination, or immune conditions.
Diseases that a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Can Help Detect
The Mantoux test serves as a screening tool for several tuberculosis-related conditions:
- Latent tuberculosis infection: Dormant TB bacteria in the body without active symptoms.
- Active pulmonary tuberculosis: Active TB infection affecting the lungs.
- Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: TB infection affecting organs other than the lungs.
- TB exposure assessment: Recent contact with infectious tuberculosis patients.
- Immunocompromised TB screening: TB detection in patients with weakened immune systems.
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare
Here are related tuberculosis screening tests available at Metropolis Healthcare to meet your specific diagnostic needs:
|
Test/Package Name |
Purpose/Highlights |
|
Used to detect latent tuberculosis infection and support diagnosis of active TB disease when correlated clinically. |
|
|
A higher concentration tuberculin test for enhanced sensitivity in TB screening. |
|
|
The highest concentration tuberculin test for comprehensive TB exposure assessment. |
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) Prices in Different Cities
The cost of a Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU) may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.
|
City |
Price (₹) |
|
₹120 - ₹280 |
|
|
₹120 - ₹280 |
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₹120 - ₹280 |
|
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₹120 - ₹280 |
|
|
₹120 - ₹280 |
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about health tests, bookings, and reports.
There's no specific best time of day for the test. However, you must be available to return within 72 hours for result reading, so schedule accordingly for your convenience.
No fasting is required for the Mantoux test. You can eat and drink normally before the procedure, as food intake doesn't affect the skin reaction results.
Dehydration doesn't affect Mantoux test results. The test measures a localised immune reaction in your skin, which isn't influenced by your body's overall hydration status.
No special diet is needed. However, inform your doctor about all medications, especially immunosuppressant drugs like steroids or chemotherapy, as they may affect test accuracy.
Why Metropolis Healthcare?
Metropolis has been present for over 43 years in the market.
Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
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Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostic service provider in India. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to ensuring you and your family receive the most accurate and timely healthcare solutions. We believe in making health care accessible, affordable and evidence-based. Our expert panel are equipped with the latest technology and manned by a certified team of over 4000+ technicians.
In diagnostic services, we have more than three decades of experience servicing diverse stakeholders health advantage packages for men, women and seniors, genetic fitness & corporation in over 650+ tests like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Haematology, and many more. Our diagnostic services are located in leading doctors and clinics and serve over 15+ cities in India.
View your reports and upcoming health checkups at one place.
Upload Prescription
Not sure which tests to take? Share your prescription with us and our team will call you.