About the Mantoux Test for Tuberculosis....?

Question

Does it or doesn't it hurt? A lot of responses here on Yahoo Answers involve it being painful.

However, I also have read that it is just beneath the skin. Since it is like that, wouldn't the pain be nonexistent, as if it were a mosquito bite?

Answer 1

I'd say it feels more like intense pressure than actual pain.

Answer 2

The Mantoux / PPD tuberculosis skin test is administered into the epidermis (top layer of skin) of the inner forearm. The nurse fills a syringe with purified protein derivative (PPD), and injects the needle, beveled side up, into the forearm. The PPD is released into the forearm as the nurse depresses the plunger of the syringe. As the PPD is released, a raised bump forms just under the skin's surface.
I guess people answer depending on their pain tolerance.
I had to have it (i work as a physician's assistant) and it doesn't hurt more than a vaccine or when you prick yourself with a needle.
You must monitor it to see if there is a reaction, and not apply lotions, creams, ointments or oils to the site.

Answer 3

I've had lots of Mantoux tests as part of several employee physicals. The only part of the test that hurts is the prick of the needle, and it is really minor.
It may hurt afterwards if you have a positive test, but it won't if the test is negative.

Answer 4

It seriously doesn't hurt.

You're right about it being just below the skin, and you only feel a small itch/burn depending on how well your doctor did it. The real pain is the mental anticipation and how you think it will be.

Answer 5

Hardly painful! A little prick and then filling of the fluid. Vaccines are worse.

Answer 6

done correctly, the mantoux is not painful.