With the Mantoux test, which is used to detect tuberculosis infection, you can take a shower without fear, but you should avoid mechanical impacts on the bath, pool and specimen. Mikhail Lebedev, a leading expert of the CMD Molecular Diagnostic Center of the Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, spoke about this.
“The Mantoux test is done intradermally, water that gets on the skin cannot in any way affect the outcome of the immunological reaction. Therefore, you can soak the Mantoux test: take a shower, perform other hygiene procedures, ”explained Lebedev.
The specialist advised to abandon the aggressive influence on the Mantoux test: do not go to the bath or pool until the result is obtained. You can also not scan the Mantoux test, rub it with a cloth or towel, apply creams and ointments on it, stick patches.
As Lebedev explains, no preparation is required for the Mantoux test. The important thing is to maintain an interval of about one month between testing and preventive vaccinations. The expert also explained where the myth of the Mantoux test-wetting ban came from.
“Actually, this rather strict rule also applies to another tuberculin test: the Pirquet skin prick test. Since tuberculin was applied directly to the skin, it was really impossible to wet it. However, in 1975, by order of the USSR Ministry of Health, the Perke test was canceled in our country, and everyone started a more advanced test. Passed the Mantoux test, ”said Lebedev.