The Heaf test, a diagnostic skin test, is performed to determine whether or not a child has been exposed to tuberculosis. Also known as the Sterneedle test, it is administered by a Heaf gun (trademarked "Sterneedle") which is a spring-loaded instrument with six needles arranged in a circular formation.
Patients who exhibit a negative reaction to the test may be offered BCG vaccination. The test is named after F. R. G. Heaf. Until 2005, the test was used in the United Kingdom to determine if the BCG vaccine was needed; the Mantoux test is now used instead. The Heaf test was preferred in the UK, because the Heaf test thought to be easier to interpret, with less variability between observers, and less training was required to administer and to read the test. The test was withdrawn because manufacturers could not be found for tuberculin or Heaf guns.
The Heaf test is used to test for tuberculosis in adolescents aged around 13–14.
Read more about Heaf Test: Procedure, Other Tests
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