It is well known that all newborns are vaccinated with BCG. It is necessary in order to protect the child's body from a disease such as tuberculosis. Later, namely at the age of 7-14 years, BCG is revaccinated.
In order to check the children's body for the presence of tuberculosis, a Mantoux test is performed . It is done by introducing a special drug that contains tuberculin. The medicine is administered subcutaneously and causes a certain reaction of the child's body. In colloquial speech, it is called a “button”. By this reaction, you can determine whether a person is healthy or not. This test is very important because it allows you to diagnose tuberculosis at an early stage. And the sooner the disease is detected, the faster treatment will begin.
Mantoux test. The composition of the administered drug
It must be understood that injecting the drug into a reaction is not a vaccine, but a test. The drug used in this procedure does not contain any elements that affect the immunity of the child. This test is done to detect tuberculosis at an early stage.
What does the Mantoux test consist of? We will now consider the composition, and also touch on the topic of measuring the result.
Since the child is given an injection with a medicine, parents need to know what is included in this test. There are cases of allergies to the Mantoux reaction. The composition of the substance contains tuberculin. It is made from tuberculosis sticks by heating them. In addition to this substance, the sample contains sodium chloride and phenol. This test consists in provoking a reaction of the body at the puncture site, a papule is formed. Next, you need to measure this swelling. According to the results of its size, determine how the child's immunity fights tuberculosis. The important point is that the papule does not undergo any damage. For example, combing or exposure to water.
Under what conditions can a Mantoux test be performed?
This sample has no side effects. It does not harm the body of the child. The doctor’s only prescription is that the sample should not be exposed to water for 3 days.
What is the Mantoux reaction done for?
The composition of the drug that is administered, we reviewed. Now let's see why the test is done?
- To determine the presence of tuberculosis infection in the body.
- This reaction indicates whether the child is currently suffering from tuberculosis.
- Mantoux test determines the level of the immune system, its resistance to tuberculosis infection.
- There is an opportunity to identify children who need BCG revaccination.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that there are practically no contraindications in carrying out this test, there are cases when the doctor can protect the child from the Mantoux reaction according to certain signs of his body condition:
- Damage to the skin in the place where the Mantoux reaction is done. It can be any diseases associated with rashes or some other irritation.
- If the child suffers any chronic diseases or infections, then this test is also contraindicated.
- Allergy is a contraindication to the Mantoux reaction.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Epilepsy.
- Cramps.
How is the result evaluated?
The composition of the Mantoux test was considered above. Now let's talk about the results. The assessment is carried out by a doctor or nurse. Check is made in three days. By means of a ruler, the swelling, which is formed after the introduction of the solution, is measured.
Negative, doubtful, hyperergic and positive reactions
There are five results of evaluating the mantoux reaction (the composition of the vaccine is always the same), namely positive, negative, hyperergic, doubtful, false.
A negative reaction to the Mantoux test is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Lack of swelling.
- On the skin where the injection was made, there is a slight redness.
- A trace of an injection is visible.
This reaction means that the child is healthy. Therefore, there is no need to develop antibodies.
Doubtful reaction of the body to the Mantoux test:
- The size of the papule after vaccination is 2-4 millimeters.
- There is no swelling around the injection site, but the skin has a red tint.
Such data means that the body responded to the introduction of a drug containing tuberculosis, but coped with it.
If the size of the papule is more than 5 millimeters, then the reaction to the Mantoux test is considered positive. Normally, the size can be up to 10 millimeters. But when its size is more than 5, it is recommended to show the child to a TB doctor.
How does a hyperergic reaction manifest itself? If after administration of the drug, a seal forms on the skin, the size of which exceeds 17 millimeters, and any ulcers form, then this is a sure sign that the child is infected with tuberculosis.
False positive
This reaction of the body has the same symptoms as positive. You should know that in order to determine the ability of the child's body to the emergence of a disease such as tuberculosis, it is necessary to conduct its examination. Based only on the results of the Mantoux reaction, it cannot be concluded that the body is not able to fight this disease. Therefore, with a positive reaction to the composition of the Mantoux vaccine, fluorography should be done, sputum should be taken.
You also need to examine other family members for the presence of a disease such as tuberculosis in their body. In no case should you postpone a visit to a TB doctor. Since it is better to diagnose and identify the disease at an early stage than to treat advanced forms later.
What factors can interfere with the Mantoux reaction?
Firstly, if the child was ill with any diseases, then the Mantoux reaction can not be done. You should also know what should pass one month after the child has become healthy. Or after quarantine removal. Secondly, it is not worth combining the Mantoux reaction with other vaccinations.
The fact is that when any vaccinations are given, the child’s immunity is reduced. Therefore, the Mantoux test can give a false result. Also, such factors as allergies, infectious diseases, skin sensitivity, body immunity to tuberculosis bacteria can affect the wrong result.
Allergic reaction
Sometimes an allergic reaction of the body to the Mantoux reaction appears. The composition of the drug, or rather some components of the vaccine, can cause this.
Children who are given this test for the first time may experience an allergic reaction. The cause may be individual intolerance to the drug or heredity. Also, such a reaction can cause an organism's predisposition to allergies.
We have already figured out what is part of Mantoux. It is some of the components that cause allergies. Often its occurrence on the Mantoux reaction causes phenol. This substance is part of the drug. It is toxic. But in small doses does not harm the body of the child. However, there are cases that in some children who are prone to allergic reactions, phenol becomes the cause of the ailment.
You should know that it is not worth it to independently diagnose what the child has an allergy to. It is necessary to seek help from a specialist if any reactions of the body are noticed. Only the doctor can determine the exact cause of such a reaction after a special examination.
What are the norms for the Mantoux reaction?
In order to determine how the body reacts to Mantoux, it is necessary to have the results of all tests taken since the moment of vaccination of the child. Ideally, each subsequent one should be reduced in size by one or two millimeters. A sharp change in compaction to the greater side indicates that the body is susceptible to the onset of tuberculosis, and it is necessary to conduct an additional examination in order to exclude or confirm this disease.
Each parent has the right to refuse the Mantoux reaction to his child. To do this, write a refusal to carry out this procedure. But it should be remembered that an unvaccinated person is more likely to become infected with tuberculosis. With a normal body reaction, when compaction decreases every year, the child is given BCG revaccination at the age of 7 years. By this period, the seal is coming to naught. Then the child after the test on Mantoux remains only a trace from the injection.
Alternative option
How to make sure that a child does not get a Mantoux test? The composition of the vaccine can cause complications in the body, so you can use an alternative method for diagnosis. The easiest way to check is a blood test, which can be taken in any laboratory.