Flynn PM, Shenep JL, Mao L, Crawford R, Williams BF, Williams BG. Influence of needle gauge in Mantoux skin testing.
Chest 1994;
106:1463-5. [PMID:
7956403 DOI:
10.1378/chest.106.5.1463]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of needle gauge in Mantoux skin testing for tuberculosis.
DESIGN
Randomized selection of either a 27- or 30-gauge needle for Mantoux skin test placement; observer-blinded.
SETTING
Annual hospital employee screening.
PARTICIPANTS
Six hundred twenty-five employees working in clinical and laboratory research environments.
RESULTS
Blinded observers found that the use of 27-gauge needles caused increased bleeding and bruising compared with 30-gauge needles (p < or = 0.007 for each). However, the 27-gauge needle produced larger blebs and less leakage of tuberculin solution (p < or = 0.0003).
CONCLUSION
Smaller gauge needles could potentially cause false-negative screening results because of decreased antigen delivery. Use of needle gauges smaller than 27 gauge should be avoided until their reliability is validated.
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