The Mantoux test (tuberculin skin test, TST) and IGRA (a blood test) show whether your body has been infected with TB germs. They do not show whether you have active TB disease, and they are not used to diagnose TB in a person with symptoms.
हिंदी में सार
मांटू (स्किन टेस्ट) और IGRA (ब्लड टेस्ट) बताते हैं कि शरीर में टीबी का संक्रमण हुआ है या नहीं, लेकिन यह नहीं बताते कि सक्रिय टीबी बीमारी है। भारत में इनका उपयोग टीबी से बचाव के इलाज (TPT) से पहले घर के सदस्यों की जाँच में होता है। 5 साल से छोटे बच्चों के लिए यह जाँच ज़रूरी नहीं है।
How the tests work
| Mantoux (TST) | IGRA (TB blood test) | |
|---|---|---|
| How | A small amount of testing material is injected under the skin of the forearm | A blood sample is tested in a lab |
| Reading | The reaction is checked 2 to 3 days later | Result from the lab |
| Shows | TB infection | TB infection |
The CDC explains that a positive test for TB infection means TB germs are in your body. Further tests, such as a chest X-ray and a sputum test, are needed to tell whether you have inactive TB infection or active TB disease.
How India uses these tests
- Before TB preventive treatment, active TB must be ruled out first.
- Household contacts older than 5 years get preventive treatment after a positive IGRA or TST, once active TB is ruled out.
- Children under 5 who are household contacts do not need the test before preventive treatment.
- If testing is not available, preventive treatment should not be delayed; ruling out active TB is the key step.
- Use either IGRA or TST, not both, and repeat tests are not recommended.
TB gold test
“TB Gold” is a common name for a brand of IGRA. A positive TB Gold result means TB infection. Do not start TB treatment based on it alone; a doctor must check for active TB first.
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
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Start the checklistFrequently asked questions
My Mantoux test is positive. Do I have TB?
Not necessarily. It shows TB infection. A doctor will check for active TB with symptoms, an X-ray and sputum tests, and may offer preventive treatment.
Which is better, Mantoux or IGRA?
India’s guidance says either can be used to find TB infection, not both. Your doctor chooses based on availability.
Should I repeat the test later?
India’s guidance does not recommend repeat IGRA or TST testing. Follow your doctor’s advice.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.