Study of respiratory symptoms among sputum positive

-. -I
(4) Tuberculin skin test:
Tuberculin test was done to support the establishment of diagnosis in
cases with negative smear. It was performed by injecting 5 tuberculin units
(Tu) in O.lml of PPD intradermally (Mantoux technique) in the volar
aspect of the left forearm. Special 1 ml disposable syringes graduated in
hundredth of milliliters were used with 26 gauge 10 mm needles of short
bevel. A separate sterile syringe and needle were used for each person
tested. A little more than 0.1 of tuberculin was then removed and the
volume subsequently adjusted to exactly 0.1 ml by ejecting the extra
solution, and then slowly ejected. The injection to be valid-should raise a
flat, anearnic wheal with pronounced pits and a steep borderline. The test
was read after 48 and/or 72 hours. The reading was limited to a single
aspect ofthe reaction, the induration. The site was carefully palpated and if
an induration was present, its limits were deter mined and its largest
transverse diameter was measured in millimeters by using soft flexible
transparent roller calibrated in millimeters. Positive tuberculin test was
indicated if the indurated area was 10 mm or more (ATS, 1990 and
Arnadottir et al., 1996).
(5) Routine investigations:
Complete blood picture (to detect any heamatologic disorders as Hb,
and lymphocytic percentage). Erythorcyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as its
elevation is compatible with tuberculosis, post prandial blood sugar (for
detection ofdiabetic risk) (Rossman and Mayock, 1995).
72