
How Accurate Is The Spatula Test In Detecting Tetanus?

Question: How accurate is the spatula test in detecting tetanus?
Brief Answer:
Excellent
Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,
Thanks for the query. The spatula test is a very simple, clinical maneuver that involves observing the reaction after touching the posterior palate with a spatula in a patient suspected to have tetanus. The sensitivity has been reported as high as 94% and specificity of virtually 100%; so an excellent test.
Here is a useful reference from PubMed
Apte NM, Karnad DR. The Spatula Test: A Simple Bedside Test to Diagnose Tetanus". American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1995; 53 (4): 386–7. PMID 0000
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Cardiology
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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