Disposable tuberculin tests: available and needed. A review.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) screening relies on various skin tests, including the Mantoux, Heaf, Tine, and Imotest.
• Assessing the comparative efficacy and safety of these diagnostic tools is crucial for effective TB control.
• Previous studies have examined the concordance between Mantoux and Heaf tests, but a comprehensive review of newer methods is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare the clinical value of the Imotest and Tine test against the established Mantoux and Heaf tests.
• To evaluate the safety profiles, specifically concerning cross-infection risks, associated with each testing method.
• To consider existing reports on the agreement in results between the Heaf and Mantoux tests.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Studies comparing Imotest and Tine test with Mantoux and Heaf tests were analyzed.
• Reports on the concordance of Heaf and Mantoux test results were also considered.

Main Results:

• The Tine test and Imotest demonstrate significant safety advantages over the Mantoux and Heaf tests.
• These advantages are primarily related to a reduced risk of cross-infection.
• The literature review also considered the concordance rates between Heaf and Mantoux tests.

Conclusions:

• The Tine test and Imotest are recommended as safer alternatives for tuberculosis screening.
• Large-scale, multicentre trials are necessary to establish consensus on interpreting results from all four tests.
• Standardized interpretation guidelines will enhance the reliability and comparability of TB skin test results.