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Tuberculin testing in hospital personnel
The Journal of Hygiene
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Tuberculin testing revealed 68% negative reactors among hospital staff in Liverpool. The Tine test was unreliable, with doubtful reactors later testing positive with the Mantoux reagent.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculin testing is crucial for assessing tuberculosis (TB) exposure.
- Hospital personnel are a key population for monitoring TB prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tuberculin sensitivity incidence in Liverpool hospital staff.
- To assess the efficacy of the Tine test versus the Mantoux reagent for screening.
Main Methods:
- Tuberculin testing was performed on 176 hospital personnel.
- The Tine test was used initially, followed by the Mantoux reagent for doubtful reactors.
Main Results:
- A high incidence of 68% negative tuberculin reactors was observed.
- The Tine test yielded 30% doubtful reactors, all positive with Mantoux testing.
- Negative reactor rates were consistent across different worker groups.
Conclusions:
- The Tine test is not a reliable screening method for tuberculin sensitivity due to a high rate of doubtful reactions.
- The Mantoux reagent confirmed positive results in individuals with doubtful Tine tests.
- Hospital staff in Liverpool exhibit a high rate of tuberculin non-reactivity.