A positive Mantoux test (MT), also known as a tuberculin skin test (TST), indicates that you may have a tuberculosis (TB) infection. It's crucial to understand that a positive result doesn't automatically confirm active TB disease; further testing is necessary to determine the type of TB infection.
Understanding the Mantoux Test
The Mantoux test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin of your forearm. A health professional then checks the injection site after 48-72 hours for a raised, hard bump, known as an induration. The size of this induration determines if the test result is positive.
What Happens After a Positive MT Test?
A positive MT result triggers a series of steps to diagnose the type of TB infection. According to the reference material, these steps can include:
- Further Blood Tests: Additional blood tests might be ordered to provide more clarity about the infection.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray helps to assess if the TB infection has affected the lungs.
- Sputum Test: If a lung infection is suspected, a sputum test may be conducted to check for TB bacteria in the mucus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Based on these tests, your doctor will determine if you have a latent TB infection (where the bacteria is present but not active) or active TB disease.
- Latent TB Infection: You might not feel sick, and you are not contagious. Treatment prevents it from developing into active TB.
- Active TB Disease: You are sick and can spread the disease. You need immediate treatment.
Following the diagnosis, your doctor will start your medication and discuss treatment options. Effective treatment involves taking prescribed antibiotics for a set period.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| MT Positive Result | Possible TB infection. |
| Next Steps | Blood test, Chest X-ray, Sputum Test. |
| Latent TB | Bacteria present, not active; non-contagious but requires treatment |
| Active TB | Bacteria is active; contagious, and requires urgent treatment. |
| Treatment | Medications prescribed by a doctor. |
