Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (2TU)

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)?

1. 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..
2. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
3. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
4. 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:

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:

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.