Onset in a few hours, well developed in 24 hours, acme in 48 hours.
Reaction consists of a central nodule surrounded by a halo of redness.
This is the intracutaneous test as originally suggested by Mantoux.
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.