Montoux Test Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The Mantoux test checks whether your immune system has ever encountered the tuberculosis bacterium. A small, measured dose of purified protein derivative (PPD) — harmless fragments of the TB organism — is injected just beneath the skin of the inner forearm, and the area is examined 48 to 72 hours later. If you have been infected, sensitised immune cells gather at the site and produce a firm, raised lump; we measure the diameter of this hardened swelling (the induration), not the redness, in millimetres. The size needed to call the result positive depends on your circumstances, so it must always be read by trained staff rather than judged at home. This is a screening test for TB exposure or latent infection — it does not by itself confirm active disease, and a positive result is interpreted alongside symptoms, chest X-ray, and sputum or other tests. Doctors commonly order it when someone has had close contact with a TB patient, before starting medicines that suppress immunity, during evaluation of children with unexplained fever, weight loss, persistent cough or poor growth, and as part of assessment for migration, work or study abroad. In Nepal, where tuberculosis remains common and most people received BCG vaccination in infancy, results need careful interpretation, as prior BCG can sometimes cause a mild reaction. Importantly, the test may be falsely negative very early after exposure, in young infants, in malnourishment, or in people whose immunity is weakened, so a negative result does not always rule out infection.

Sample type

Intradermal injection (no blood sample) — read at 48–72 hours

Preparation

No fasting and no special preparation. This is a two-visit test: a tiny amount of fluid is injected just under the skin of your forearm on the first visit, and you must return after 48 to 72 hours so we can measure the reaction. Do not scratch, rub, cover with plaster, or apply any cream, ointment or balm to the injection site, and keep it clean and dry. Tell us beforehand if you have had a BCG vaccine recently, a previous Mantoux test, a live vaccine (such as MMR) in the last month, or if you take steroids or other medicines that lower immunity.

Turnaround time

Reports for Montoux Test are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other immunology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Montoux Test or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.