Paramedics can apply and read Mantoux tuberculosis tests.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Emergency Medical Services

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) screening is crucial for public health.
• Paramedics are frontline healthcare providers with potential roles in TB surveillance.
• Evaluating paramedic competency in diagnostic procedures is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ability of paramedics to accurately perform and interpret Mantoux skin tests.
• To determine the effectiveness of a training program for paramedics on Mantoux testing.
• To evaluate the competency of paramedics in TB screening procedures.

Main Methods:

• 26 paramedics received 2 hours of training on Mantoux skin test application and interpretation.
• Training included lectures, videos, and practical exercises.
• Registered nurses supervised and monitored paramedic performance during a follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Paramedics demonstrated high accuracy (96%) in Mantoux skin test administration.
• 100% adherence to most administration criteria, with minor exceptions noted and corrected.
• Nurses concurred with all monitored test interpretations, indicating high paramedic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Paramedics can be successfully trained to apply and interpret Mantoux skin tests.
• The findings support the expanded role of paramedics in public health surveillance, including TB screening.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended due to the low number of positive tests observed.