tuberculin test

tuberculin test
a test for tuberculosis in which a hypersensitive reaction to a given quantity of tuberculin indicates a past or present infection.
[1900-05]

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      procedure for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection by the introduction into the skin (skin test), usually by injection on the front surface of the forearm, of a minute amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin. Tuberculin is a protein substance from the tuberculosis-causing bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, first discovered and extracted by Robert Koch in 1890. When the test is positive, a region of swelling 10 mm (0.4 inch) or greater in diameter, usually accompanied by redness, occurs within 48 hours at the site of injection. A positive reaction indicates that the individual was previously exposed to the tubercle bacillus, but it does not necessarily indicate that active clinical tuberculosis is present, or ever existed. The test is a help to the physician in determining the source and time of an infection and in distinguishing tuberculosis from other pulmonary conditions.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • tuberculin test — n a test (as the Mantoux test or tine test) for hypersensitivity to tuberculin in which tuberculin is introduced (as by injection or puncture) usu. into the skin of the individual tested and the appearance of inflammation or induration at the… …   Medical dictionary

  • Tuberculin test — Tu*ber cu*lin test The hypodermic injection of tuberculin, used as a test for past or present infection with tuberculosis. It is used both for humans and cattle. Note: In humans, a previous or acive infection with tuberculosis will cause a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • tuberculin test — noun a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin • Syn: ↑tuberculin skin test • Hypernyms: ↑skin test • Hyponyms: ↑Mantoux test, ↑tine test * * * …   Useful english dictionary

  • tuberculin test — noun Date: circa 1900 a test for hypersensitivity to tuberculin as an indication of past or present tubercular infection …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • tuberculin test — A method of testing cows for tuberculosis, provided by statute as a health measure for insuring a pure supply of milk. 22 Am J1st Food § 72 …   Ballentine's law dictionary

  • intradermal tuberculin test — a tuberculin test in which tuberculin is injected below the skin; see specific tests, including Heaf t., Mantoux t., and tine t …   Medical dictionary

  • tuberculin reaction — n a skin reaction that occurs at the site of a tuberculin test <an induration measuring 10 mm or more is considered a positive tuberculin reaction for all individuals> * * * induration or vesiculation as a delayed reaction at the site of a… …   Medical dictionary

  • tuberculin — 1. A glycerin broth culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis evaporated to 110 volume at 100°C and filtered; introduced by Robert Koch for the treatment of tuberculosis but now used chiefly for diagnostic tests; originally known as Koch old t. (OT)… …   Medical dictionary

  • tuberculin skin test — noun a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin • Syn: ↑tuberculin test • Hypernyms: ↑skin test • Hyponyms: ↑Mantoux test, ↑tine test …   Useful english dictionary

  • tuberculin — n. a sterile liquid from cultures of tubercle bacillus, used in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Phrases and idioms: tuberculin test a hypodermic injection of tuberculin to detect a tubercular infection. tuberculin tested (of milk)… …   Useful english dictionary

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