Indian Pediatrics - Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Indian Pediatrics 2003; 40:281

Reply

As per the query regarding tuberculins available in the market and their interpretation we have following clarifications as per available literature(1) and personal commu-nication from BCG laboratory Guindy, Madras(2).

1. Standardized tuberculin available from BCG Laboratory Guindy is 1TU PPD RT 23 with Tween 80/0.1 ml.

2. For diagnosis of tuberculosis, tuberculin of 1 TU strength should be used in India(3). Though some countries use a strength of 2 TU PPD RT23 or 5 TU PPD-S with similar interpretation.

3. Information regarding standardization of tuberculins available in the market can be obtained from respective companies.

4. BCG laboratory supplies PPD to government hospital and on prescription of Medical practitioners(2).

Anju Aggarwal,
M.M.A. Faridi,
University College of Medical Sciences and
Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital,
Delhi 110 095, India.
E-mail: [email protected]

REFERENCES

1. Aggarwal A, Guglani L, Faridi MMA. Standardization of Mantoux test. Indian Pediatr 2000; 39: 404-406.

2. Personal Communication. Dr. N. Elanges-waran, Director, BCG laboratory, Madras, Guindy.

3. Chadha VK. Tuberculin test. Indian J Pediatr 2001; 68: 53-58.