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VARIOUS › DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS › OTHER DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS › Tuberculosis diagnostics
tuberculin
V04CF01
Forms & Strengths
- Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) vial, 5 TU/0.1 mL
- PPD vial, 10 TU/0.1 mL
- PPD vial, 100 TU/1 mL
- Lyophilized powder for reconstitution
Adult Dosing
- Mantoux test: 0.1 mL intradermally (5 TU) injected into forearm skin
- Serial testing (e.g., conversion): 0.1 mL intradermally (2 TU)
- Therapeutic tuberculin (for warts, TB prophylaxis): 0.1 mL intradermally (5 TU) weekly for 3 weeks then monthly
Pediatric Dosing
- Mantoux test (≥2 years): 0.1 mL intradermally (5 TU)
- Infants (<2 years): 0.05 mL intradermally (2.5 TU) if test required
- Therapeutic use: same as adult dose, adjusted to body surface area if large area treatment
Indications
- Screening for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (Mantoux tuberculin skin test)
- Detection of conversion in high‑risk contacts
- Monitoring response to anti‑TB therapy (serial testing)
- Therapeutic tuberculin for cutaneous warts, lupus vulgaris, and as adjunct in TB prophylaxis
Mechanism of Action
- PPD contains multiple mycobacterial antigens that trigger a delayed‑type (type IV) hypersensitivity reaction in previously sensitized T‑cells
- Resulting induration reflects cell‑mediated immunity against M. tuberculosis
Contraindications
- Known severe hypersensitivity to tuberculin or any PPD component
- Active, untreated TB disease (test not indicated)
- Severe immunosuppression where test reliability is compromised (e.g., CD4 < 200 cells/µL)
Adverse Reactions
- Local erythema, induration, ulceration, or necrosis at injection site
- Lymphadenitis of draining nodes
- Systemic fever, malaise
- Rare anaphylactoid reaction
Drug Interactions
- Systemic corticosteroids, TNF‑α inhibitors, azathioprine, and other immunosuppressants may diminish induration size
- Live vaccines (e.g., BCG) can cause false‑positive tuberculin test
- Interferon‑γ release assays are not affected and can be used adjunctively
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use