tuberculin test

tuberculin test
    n 1: a skin test to determine past or present infection with the
         tuberculosis bacterium; based on hypersensitivity of the
         skin to tuberculin [syn: {tuberculin test}, {tuberculin
         skin test}]
    

Tuberculin test \Tu*ber"cu*lin test\
   The hypodermic injection of tuberculin, used as a test for
   past or present infection with tuberculosis. It is used both
   for humans and cattle.

   Note: In humans, a previous or acive infection with
         tuberculosis will cause a distinct reaction to the
         injection of tuberculin. The test is thus used to
         screen populations to discover those who may harbor an
         active tuberculosis infection, and more definitive
         tests are performed on those showing a positive
         reaction, to determine if the infection is active. In
         cattle there is little or no effect of the injection of
         tuberculin on healthy animals, but there is a marked
         rise in temperature in tuberculous animals.
         [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]