3.3 Steps and processes for skin testing

The general methods for testing administration and reading, described below, are derived mainly from published studies using TST; that is, skin testing with tuberculin material bioequivalent to PPDS (42). Safety of TST (using tuberculin material that is bioequivalent to PPDS) has been well established, based on millions of doses received. However, safety is much less established for the new TBST, because there is less experience in using TBST. Therefore, surveillance of adverse events in countries initiating testing with the new TBST should be implemented. Chapter 2 (above) discusses general indications and contraindications for TB infection testing. A detailed step by step instruction on skin testing is provided in Annex 1.

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