Simultaneous Mantoux and Vollmer patch tests in 855 school children.

In March 1955, a comparative study of the results of the (Mantoux) intracutaneous tuberculin test, and the patch test, (Vollmer) was carried on in two Los Angeles schools. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the patch should be substituted for the intracutanous test, allowing greater ease of administration, decreased expense, and lessened work load. The schools chosen were two junior high schools where the students ranged in age from 11 to 14 years. The economic level of the students was, in general, below average for the City as a whole. While many races were represented in the group of those tested, the majority were of the Negro race. A total of 1,049 pupils received both tests simultaneously, the Mantoux test being given on one forearm, the patch test on the other. Of this number, 194 were absent for interpretation of the tests. In another group of 180 students the patch test became detached before the 48-hour interval at the end of which it should have been removed. Of these students who “lost” their patch tests, 25 had positive Mantoux tests and 155 had negative Mantoux tests. The number tested and inspected 48, 72, and 98 hours after removal of the patch test was 855; the results in these students form the basis of this study.