CONCLUSIONS
Comparing the various tuberculin tests we find that:
1 The Subcutaneous Tuberculin Test has the advantage of focal reaction, disclosing in a certain percentage of cases the seat of the disease.
The subcutaneous test should, however, never be employed unless as a last resort, and then only after all other methods of diagnosis are exhausted and an absolute diagnosis is very essential.
In the vast majority of suspected cases of tuberculosis, thorough study of the history of the case, combined with thorough physical examination, furnishes all the necessary data for diagnosis and an efficient plan of treatment.
2 The Cutaneous Tuberculin Test is a very efficient diagnostic measure in children under two years of age in whom a positive cutaneous tuberculin reaction indicates active disease.
Positive cutaneous tuberculin reaction in adults indicates existence of a tuberculous process, somewhere in the body; it does not indicate that the process is active.
Negative cutaneous tuberculin reaction is one of the corroborative evidences of absence of tuberculosis, unless reaction is prevented by very advanced disease or tolerance to tuberculin established by tuberculin treatment.
3 Thorough study of the history and thorough physical examination of each individual case are more important and should precede the application of any test.