Interaction between inoculated tuberculin and the antibodies (bacteriolysins, according to Wolff-Eisner) present in the skin of a tuberculous individual; interaction results in hyperaemia and exudation (papule).
6. Interpretation of Reaction:
Occurrence of positive reaction signifies presence of a tuberculous focus somewhere in the body. No indication as to activity or location of the focus.
A negative reaction in adults (especially if repeated) signifies non-existence of tuberculosis (unless great deterioration of health, far advanced process, or tolerance to tuberculin established by tuberculin treatment).
A positive reaction in children under two years of age signifies, generally, active tuberculous process; with the advance of age the determination of active tuberculous processes by means of cutaneous tuberculin test becomes impossible.
III. CONJUNCTIVAL TUBERCULIN TEST
1. Synonyms: Eye Test; Ophthalmic Test; Wolff-Eisner's Test; Calmette's Test.
2. Apparatus and Dilutions Necessary:
1 cc. pipette graduated to 1⁄10 cc.