Lepromin skin test

What Is The Lepromin Skin Test?

The Lepromin skin test is an intracutaneous (into the skin) test used to diagnose infection with leprosy. The test involves injecting a small amount of the leprosy bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, into the skin of the patient’s arm.

What Is The Purpose Of The Lepromin Skin Test?

The purpose of the Lepromin skin test is to detect immune reactions to the leprosy bacteria. It is used to diagnose the disease, determine if a person is free of the disease, or if they are at risk of developing it.

Preparation For The Lepromin Skin Test

Before the Lepromin skin test, the patient should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can interfere with the results.

The Procedure Of The Lepromin Skin Test

The Lepromin skin test involves the injection of a small amount of the leprosy bacteria into the skin of the patient’s arm. The injection should be done at the site where the leprosy infection is suspected. The patient is monitored daily for the next four days. During this period, the health care provider will look for signs of leprosy infection, or the development of an immune reaction to the test bacteria.

Types Of Lepromin Skin Test

There are two types of Lepromin skin tests: the standard test and the modified-minimum test. The standard test requires the injection of a larger amount of the bacteria into the skin. The modified-minimum test requires only a small amount of bacteria to be injected into the skin.

Risks Of The Lepromin Skin Test

The Lepromin skin test is generally considered safe, however there is a small chance of an allergic reaction or infection at the site of the injection.

Why Have The Lepromin Skin Test?

The Lepromin skin test is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of leprosy, as it can help detect a person’s immune response to the infection. It can be used to help diagnose leprosy in both adults and children, as well as to monitor known cases of leprosy to check for recurrence or spread of the infection.

When To Have The Lepromin Skin Test?

The Lepromin skin test is typically recommended for people who may have been exposed to leprosy, either through travel to areas of the world where the disease is endemic, or through contact with someone known to have leprosy. It is also recommended for people whose medical history indicates they may be at risk of developing leprosy.