The Mantoux test using Berna and Copenhagen tuberculins in comparison with the epicutaneous Mérieux Monotest in adults
Scherrer, R.; De Carli, A.; Marsch, S.; Hany, A.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 117(42): 1628-1632
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 3423757 Document Number: 301601
New infection with tuberculosis is a risk for hospital patients, and it would therefore be desirable to evaluate the proportion of converters by a simple epicutaneous test. It is also known that reactions to Mantoux tests of different manufacturers may vary widely. Simultaneous tuberculin skin tests with tuberculin Berna, tuberculin Kopenhagen and Monotest Mérieux have been compared in 81 geriatric patients and 54 young volunteers. Monotest Mérieux and Mantoux test with tuberculin Berna were administered in 222 additional patients, and it was therefore possible to compare a Monotest and a tuberculin test in a total of 357 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two Mantoux tests. An unexpectedly high false positive rate was found with Monotest. The reasons for this are discussed. The two products used in Switzerland today are equivalent. Positive reactions to Monotest need confirmations by Mantoux test.