It's Okay to Get It Wet! Doctor Debunks the Biggest Myth About the Mantoux Test
Discover the truth behind the Mantoux test and why getting it wet is not harmful, as clarified by a leading tuberculosis specialist.
One of the biggest childhood fears turns out to be unfounded. A medical expert has clarified why many doctors strongly advised against wetting the Mantoux test site.
Remember how as children we were strictly told never to get the Mantoux test wet? We were warned in every possible way, yet rarely given a clear explanation of what would happen if water touched the red spot on our arm. The rule was simple: just don’t do it. End of story!
The Mantoux test is administered to children in kindergartens and schools to evaluate the body's immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria antigen.
It seems it took until 2023 for the myths surrounding this procedure to finally be debunked.
Yes, you can get the Mantoux test wet. This was announced by Elena Bogorodskaya, the chief freelance phthisiatrician of the Moscow Department of Health, ahead of World Tuberculosis Day.
In an interview with TASS, the specialist explained that it is safe to wash your hands, swim in the sea, or visit a pool with the Mantoux test. Nothing harmful will happen. However, the key rule remains: do not rub or scratch the test site to avoid skin damage.
“Water does not trigger immunological reactions. Phthisiatrists (specialists studying tuberculosis causes and spread) recommend avoiding wetting the Mantoux test mainly to prevent touching or rubbing the area. But in general, it’s fine to swim in a river or attend a pool,” said Bogorodskaya.
The expert also clarified that no special preparation is needed for the procedure.
“There is absolutely no need to prepare. This is a completely safe test. The Mantoux test never causes side effects. The Diaskintest (an immunological test involving protein allergens to detect immune response) has certain limitations. But before administering the test, the patient is examined by a general practitioner, pediatrician, or phthisiatrician at a tuberculosis clinic,” explained Elena.
It is worth noting that back in 2018, the safety of water exposure to the Mantoux test was already discussed.
At that time, Irina Vasilyeva, the chief freelance phthisiatrician of the Russian Ministry of Health, commented:
“You can get it wet, just pat it dry afterward. The rules for the Mantoux test are not that strict—just avoid irritating the skin,” Vasilyeva told TASS.
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