Will Alcohol Intake Have Any Affects On Montoux Test?

Posted on Fri, 1 Aug 2014

Question: Hello Sir, I had mantoux test today (I am required to submit its result in college , mandatory for all ) and am to report back to path lab after 48 hours. In between these 48 hours my colleagues have organized a party for me in which there will be alcohol and some amount smokes also. Will these effect my test result ? Any insight will be highly solicited.

Note:- I didnt have TB in past nor I show any symptoms as read from internet

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. Montoux test is a very non specific test. If you have been vaccinated in childhood for Tuberculosis (BCG) there is high probability that it would come positive.
Alcohol has no direct influence on the test. You can enjoy the party but I would suggest you to drink in limited amount as any skin rash or allergy due to alcohol consumption might increase the erythema leading to false interpretation of the test.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar