tuberculin skin test

Definitions of tuberculin skin test

1. noun

   a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin
   synonyms: tuberculin test

   types:

   Mantoux test

   tuberculin (a derivative of tubercle bacillus) is injected intradermally; a red area appearing 1-3 days later signifies an exposure (past or present) to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing

   tine test

   a tuberculin test in which a disk with several tines bearing tuberculin antigen is used to puncture the skin; development of a hard red area indicates past or present exposure to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing

   type of:

   skin test

   any test to determine immunity or sensitivity to a disease by introducing small amounts on or into the skin