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Disposable tuberculin tests: available and needed. A review

J K Anand1, J T Roberts

  • 1Peterborough Health Authority.

Public Health
|May 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

The tine test and imotest offer safer alternatives to Mantoux and Heaf tests, reducing cross-infection risks. Further multicentre trials are recommended to standardize results interpretation for all four tuberculosis screening tests.

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.

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