TB Skin Testing
Description
Tuberculosis (TB) skin testing, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), is an intradermal test used to identify TB infection in individuals for whom TB testing is clinically or occupationally indicated. Before testing, the practitioner completes an appropriate assessment, including relevant health history, previous TB testing or TB disease, vaccination history where relevant, risk factors for TB exposure or infection, symptoms suggestive of TB disease, and the reason for testing. The TST is administered using the standardized Mantoux technique. The client must return within the required time window for the test to be assessed and measured. The result is documented as the measured induration in millimetres and interpreted according to current Canadian Tuberculosis Standards and the individual's risk factors. A TST is not a diagnostic test for active TB disease. A positive result requires appropriate clinical assessment and referral for further evaluation. Where serial occupational or other indicated testing is required, the practitioner will determine whether a one-step or two-step TST is appropriate based on current Canadian recommendations and the client's circumstances. Testing may be deferred or an alternative testing pathway recommended when assessment identifies a contraindication, previous positive TST or TB disease, symptoms requiring medical evaluation, or another circumstance in which TST is not appropriate. The procedure, potential risks, limitations, follow-up requirements, and circumstances requiring further medical assessment are explained before testing, and informed consent is obtained.
