Mantoux test is performed by injecting 0.1mL of % TU PPD (5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative) intradermally in to the flexor surface of the upper forearm. In a patient previously infected with M.tuberculosis a hypersensitivity reaction occurs at the site of injection.
Mantoux tests can only be administered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays .
The patient must return 72 hours for the reading.
Mantoux tests only read on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
All requests for Mantoux testing should be referred to Greenlane Clinical Centre Labplus extn: 26199
Requests for Mantoux testing in Starship Children's Hospital are referred to the Public Health Nurses on extn: 27136
A Mantoux test should not be administered if the individual:
Mantoux testing during pregnancy is safe
|
Category |
Adults (>= 15 years) |
Older Children (5-14 years) |
Younger children (< 5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New Zealand born
|
>= 10mm >= 15mm |
>= 10mm >= 10mm |
>= 5 mm >= 10mm |
|
Following residence in a high- incidence country:
|
>= 10 mm >= 10 mm |
>= 10 mm >= 10 mm |
>= 5 mm >= 10 mm |
|
With immune-suppressive illness or taking immune suppressive drugs (with or without BCG vaccination) |
5-10mm |
>= 5mm |
>= 5mm |
|
HIV/AIDS (with or without BCG vaccination) |
>= 5mm |
>= 5mm |
>= 5mm |
|
Close contacts of smear- positive cases (any origin) (with or without BCG vaccination) |
>= 5mm |
>= 5mm |
>= 5mm |
Ref: Ministry of Health Guidelines for Tuberculosis control in New Zealand 2010
If the first Mantoux is negative (less than 5mm) a second Mantoux test may be required to ensure that the negative result is real and not just the result of a "sleepy" immune response. The second Mantoux is performed one week later on the same day as the first Mantoux test.
When the patient is required to complete the two-step Mantoux he/she will have to attend the Greenlane Clinical Centre Phlebotomy collection rooms, four times. For the first test, first reading, second test and second reading. If both Mantoux are negative, it may mean that the person has not been vaccinated against TB and/ or not been in contact with TB. If he/she is under 35 years old and working in a high- risk area, he/ she can have a BCG vaccination. However, BCGs can only be given once. If an individual has two negative Mantoux and has been vaccinated or is over 35, no further action is required.