The main fear that haunted many who had the chance to experience the effect of the injection was associated with moisture getting into the area of the Mantoux test.
It was believed that water could distort the test results, the reaction would be positive and it would have to be repeated.
How does water affect the Mantoux test result?
It cannot affect the result in any way, since water does not catalyze immunological reactions.
Doctors still recommend avoiding getting water on the injection site so as not to rub it, but anyone can bathe, swim, go to the pool and wet the Mantoux test.
The Minnesota Department of Health in the United States advises in its fact sheet that the spot does not need to be covered with a bandage or tape. It should not be scratched or touched unnecessarily, so as not to damage the thickened area.
The Mantoux test site should not be covered to avoid accidentally rubbing the injection site and avoiding a false positive reaction. In addition, doctors do not recommend rubbing ointments into the Mantoux test or massaging it.
What to do if the spot itches
In this case, the right solution would be to apply a cold cloth to this place. But you can wash and bathe your hands without fear, but dry them with caution.
Mantoux test
The test is considered negative if there is no large bulge at the injection site.
A negative test result confirms that you do not have TB.
Sometimes doctors will recommend repeating the TB skin test to make sure you are healthy.
