The Mantoux Test, also known as the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), is a diagnostic test used to determine whether a person has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
In this test, a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected just under the skin of the forearm. After 48 to 72 hours, the injection site is examined for swelling (induration), which indicates a reaction to the test.
The purpose of the Mantoux Test is to