[Experiences with the tuberculin tine test in serial tests].

During the past year the tuberculin tine test, frequently used in Switzerland to indicate tuberculin allergy, was again the subject of controversy. A retrospective study analysed results of tuberculin tests in school children (average age 15) obtained by the Basle School Health Service during 1976--1978. A total of 4919 tine tests were read during this period. 2416 of the total of 3405 tine-negative pupils were also tested with 10 TU PPD Berna according to Mantoux. 357 (14.8%) showed positive reactions. Since not all tine-negative pupils were submitted to a Mantoux test, it must be assumed that 14.8% false negatives were missed in the group not further tested. On this basis, a sensitivity of 74.4% was calculated for the tine test. It is a debatable point whether this is sufficient for practical use.