A test, whereby a small dose of a purified form of the tuberculosis bacteria is injected into the skin of the forearm, to determine if a person has previously been exposed to tuberculosis.

a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin

A diagnostic aid for finding M. tuberculosis infection. A small dose of tuberculin (see also Mantoux method and PPD) is injected just beneath the surface of the skin by the Mantoux method, and the area is examined for induration by palpation 48--72 hours after the injection. Indurated margins should be read transverse (perpendicular) to the long axis of the forearm.