NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a tuberculosis (TB) skin test (Mantoux test). Which of the following is the correct site for injection?
- AAnterior forearm, volar surface
- BDeltoid muscle of the upper arm
- CVentrogluteal area of the hip
- DSubcutaneous tissue of the abdomen
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Anterior forearm, volar surface
The Mantoux test is an intradermal injection, and the volar (inner) surface of the forearm is the preferred site due to its thinner skin, ease of access, and minimal hair, which allows for clear visualization of the bleb and subsequent induration.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The deltoid muscle is used for intramuscular injections, not intradermal.
- C. The ventrogluteal area is used for intramuscular injections, not intradermal.
- D. The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous injections, not intradermal.
Mantoux Test Site
The specific anatomical location for administering the purified protein derivative (PPD) for a tuberculosis skin test, which is an intradermal injection.
- Anterior forearm, volar surface is preferred.
- Injection is intradermal (into the dermis).
- A small wheal (bleb) should form.
- Site allows for easy reading of induration.
Memory trick: TB Test: Forearm is the First Place!