Tuberculin skin testing is an accurate, inexpensive screening procedure for detecting tuberculosis infection. The return visit needed to interpret the reaction is inconvenient, costly, and may contribute to under-utilization of the test.

Is Mantoux test accurate?

Mantoux test is unreliable in detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in countries where all children are vaccinated with BCG. This is because the Mantoux test positive in everyone who was exposed to the vaccine.

Which TB test is most accurate?

TB Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs)

The Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are a new type of more accurate test. In this context referring to an assay is simply a way of referring to a test or procedure. IGRAs are blood tests that measure a person's immune response to the bacteria that cause TB.