HEAF TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The Heaf test, also known as the Heaf technique or Heaf skin test, is a diagnostic tool used for the screening of tuberculosis (TB) infection. Developed by Sir Geoffrey Heaf in the mid-20th century, it involves the intradermal injection of purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin to assess an individual's immune response to the TB bacteria.
Typically administered on the arm, the Heaf test measures delayed hypersensitivity reactions that occur in individuals previously exposed to TB. The PPD solution contains antigens derived from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which triggers a reaction in the immune system. After the injection, the test site is then examined for a characteristic reaction within a specific timeframe.
The Heaf test relies on a scoring system to interpret the reaction observed on the skin, usually categorizing reactions as positive, negative, or borderline. A positive Heaf test may indicate that the individual has been exposed to TB or has a latent infection. However, further diagnostics are necessary to confirm active TB disease.
While the Heaf test was widely used in the past, it has been largely replaced by more accurate and reliable methods for diagnosing TB, such as the Mantoux test or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs). Due to the risk of false-positive or false-negative results, the Heaf test is no longer recommended or commonly used in many healthcare settings.
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