Which technique is correct for administering the Mantoux test?

The Mantoux test, which is used to determine if someone has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacterium, requires a specific technique for accurate administration. Holding the needle and syringe almost parallel to the client's skin is essential because it allows for the proper intradermal injection of the purified protein derivative (PPD). This technique ensures that the medication is deposited just under the skin, where it can elicit a local immune response that is assessed 48 to 72 hours later.

Using this method, the healthcare provider can create a small wheal or raised area, which is the desired outcome of the test. Proper technique is crucial because incorrect administration could lead to insufficient or exaggerated skin reactions, leading to false positives or negatives.

Pinching the skin or aspirating before injecting are not recommended steps for this procedure. Aspiration is usually performed in intramuscular injections to avoid injecting into a blood vessel, but it is not necessary for intradermal injections like the Mantoux test. Furthermore, massaging the injection site is not appropriate because it could disrupt the PPD and affect the accuracy of the test results. Thus, the parallel hold of the needle and syringe aligns with the guidelines for correct administration of the Mantoux test.