The TB test is commonly referred to as which type of test?

The TB test is commonly referred to as which type of test?

• A. Mantoux test
• B. Skin test
• C. Blood test
• D. X-ray

Answer: (B)

TB screening is described as a skin test because the substance is injected into the skin and the reaction is read on the skin surface after a short period. The classic example is the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, where tuberculin is injected intradermally and, if exposed, a swelling or induration appears within 48–72 hours. This distinguishes it from blood tests for TB infection (which measure immune response in the blood) and from imaging like chest X-rays. So the common label for this test is a skin test.

TB screening is described as a skin test because the substance is injected into the skin and the reaction is read on the skin surface after a short period. The classic example is the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, where tuberculin is injected intradermally and, if exposed, a swelling or induration appears within 48–72 hours. This distinguishes it from blood tests for TB infection (which measure immune response in the blood) and from imaging like chest X-rays. So the common label for this test is a skin test.