Laxative induced hypoalbuminemia.

Tuberculosis is a common disease in India. Mantoux test is used in children for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Seibert first prepared the purified protein derivative (PPD) from heat-concentrated old tuberculin by precipitating protein initially with trichloroacetic acid(l). PPD when diluted is adsorbed by glass and plastic surfaces. To minimize this a small amount of detergent. Tween-80, is added to the diluent of PPD and solution is refrigerated(2). However, the facility of refrigeration is either not available or inadequate in most of the rural areas. I tried to investigate whether the results of Mantoux testing were affected by keeping the Mantoux vials at room temperature for variable periods.