MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The test is “positive” if there is a bump of a certain size where the fluid was injected. This means you probably have TB germs in your body. Most people with a positive TB skin test have latent TB infection. To be sure, your doctor will examine you and give you a chest x-ray.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is one method of determining whether a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Reliable administration and reading of the TST requires standardization of procedures, training, supervision, and practice.

Detailed explanation-3: -The TB skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin on the lower part of the arm. A person given the tuberculin skin test must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm.

Detailed explanation-4: -IMMUNE RESPONSE TO TUBERCULIN Following infection with M. tuberculosis there is a sensitization and proliferation of T lymphocytes specific for antigens contained in tuberculin. In the Mantoux method of tuberculin testing, these T lymphocytes accumulate at the site of injection and result in palpable induration.

Detailed explanation-5: -A positive TB skin test or TB blood test only tells that a person has been infected with TB bacteria. It does not tell whether the person has latent TB infection (LTBI) or has progressed to TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and a sample of sputum, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease.