The mantoux test: should we change the site?

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that sunlight-induced immunosuppression negatively alters the skin response to mantoux test. This study aimed to compare the response of the skin to mantoux test over the volar forearm surface, the traditional site, which is exposed to sunlight and the inner thigh, an area which is not. In all, 45 children had the mantoux test administered using 0.1 mL of 5TU purified protein derivative. Reactive induration to the mantoux test was recorded in five of these children. The average induration of the volar surface was 8.2 mm, while that at the inner thigh was 11.6 mm. The results have highlighted the potential of an enhanced mantoux test result, if parts of the body that are not exposed to high doses of ultraviolet light are used as the site for mantoux test.