Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Mantoux Test Tuberculin Skin Test

The Mantoux Test (Tuberculin Skin Test) helps determine if you have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. It involves a simple skin injection and reading after 48-72 hours.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: No specimen is collected. The test involves an intradermal injection of tuberculin PPD.
Results: Results are typically available 48 to 72 hours after the injection.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for the Mantoux test. You will need to attend the clinic for the injection and a follow-up visit 48-72 hours later for the reading.

Test priceKSh 468

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Mantoux Test Tuberculin Skin Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

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Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

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Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Individuals in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB.
✓People experiencing symptoms suggestive of TB (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
✓Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, diabetes, certain medications).
✓Healthcare workers and those in high-risk occupations.
✓Screening for latent TB infection.
✓Monitoring for TB infection after exposure.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to identify individuals who have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, the cause of tuberculosis. It helps determine if a person has developed an immune response to TB antigens.

The Mantoux Test, also known as the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), is a standard method used to detect exposure to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It is a crucial tool for identifying individuals who may have been infected with TB, even if they don't currently show symptoms of active disease. Early detection is vital for managing TB effectively and preventing its spread.

The test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) just under the skin, usually on the forearm. You will need to return to the clinic 48 to 72 hours later for a healthcare professional to check for a reaction. The reaction, if present, appears as a raised, hard bump (induration) at the injection site. The size of this bump is measured to determine if the test is positive, negative, or inconclusive.

This test is recommended for individuals at higher risk of TB exposure or infection. Understanding your TB status is important for your health and the health of those around you.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →

PreparationNo special preparation is required for the Mantoux test. You will need to attend the clinic for the injection and a follow-up visit 48-72 hours later for the reading.

SampleNo specimen is collected. The test involves an intradermal injection of tuberculin PPD.

MethodologyIntradermal injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD). The reaction (induration) is measured 48-72 hours later.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

The Mantoux test can yield false-positive results in individuals who have received the BCG vaccine or have been exposed to certain non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. False-negative results can occur in people with severely weakened immune systems. The test only indicates exposure or infection, not necessarily active TB disease.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

The Mantoux test is a skin test used to check if you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB).

A small amount of fluid (PPD) is injected just under the skin, usually on your forearm. You'll need to return 48-72 hours later for a nurse or doctor to check for a reaction.

A positive result means you have likely been infected with TB bacteria at some point. It does not necessarily mean you have active TB disease.

No special preparation is needed. Just ensure you can attend both the injection appointment and the follow-up reading appointment.

The injection may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation, similar to a mosquito bite. Some redness or mild itching may occur at the site.

A healthcare provider will measure the reaction. Depending on the result and your individual risk factors, further tests like a chest X-ray may be recommended. Discuss the results with your doctor.

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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