tuberculin tests

Also known as the Mantoux test, Tuberculin test is done to see if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). It is worth noting that tuberculosis is a bacterium that tends to attack the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, like the kidneys, the spine, or the brain. Since many people who have TB don’t have any symptoms, the tuberculin skin test can tell if you have this form of the infection. The test is done by putting a small amount of TB protein (antigens) under the top layer of skin on your inner forearm. If you have ever been exposed to the TB bacteria, your skin will react to the antigens by developing a firm red bump at the site within 2 or 3 days. Bear in mind that a tuberculin skin test cannot tell how long you have been infected with TB. It also cannot tell if the infection is latent (inactive) or if you have active TB that can be passed to others. Before having this test, it is important that you tell your doctor if you have had a viral illness in the last week or if you have an illness that affects your immune system. As a matter of fact, the side effects of the Tuberculin test are uncommon, not to mention that they are mainly related to the size of the reaction and include swelling, redness and itchiness that may take a few weeks to clear. On a side note, this test is considered both valid and safe throughout pregnancy.