Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

What is the Mantoux test used to determine the presence of?

1. Tuberculosis

2. HIV

3. Hepatitis

4. Streptococcus

The correct answer is: Tuberculosis

The Mantoux test is a specific diagnostic tool used to determine the presence of tuberculosis (TB) infection. It involves the intracutaneous injection of a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the tuberculosis bacterium, followed by the assessment of the reaction on the skin after 48 to 72 hours. A positive reaction indicates that the individual has been exposed to TB, signaling either an active infection or a latent TB infection. While other diseases mentioned in the choices, such as HIV, hepatitis, and streptococcus infections, are significant health concerns and have their own distinct diagnostic tests, they are not evaluated using the Mantoux test. Each of these conditions is diagnosed through different methods, such as blood tests or cultures, tailored specifically to detect the presence of those pathogens.