In medicine and statistics, gold standard test is usually diagnostic test or benchmark that is the best available under reasonable conditions. Other times, gold standard is the most accurate test possible without restrictions. Both meanings are different because for example, in medicine, dealing with conditions that would require an autopsy to have a perfect diagnosis, the gold standard test would be the best one that keeps the patient alive instead of the autopsy.
Youâll use intermediate strength (5 T.U.) PPD in a tuberculin syringe that has a 1/2-inch, 26- or 27-gauge needle. Make sure the bevel edge of the needle is facing up, and insert the needle beneath the skin (Figure 1).ouâll use intermediate strength (5 T.U.) PPD in a tuberculin syringe that has a 1/2-inch, 26- or 27-gauge needle. Make sure the bevel edge of the needle is facing up, and insert the needle beneath the skin (Figure 1).
The TB antigens used in a tuberculin skin test are called purified protein derivative (PPD). A measured amount of PPD in a shot is put under the top layer of skin on your forearm. This is a good test for finding a TB infection. It is often used when symptoms, screening, or testing, such as a chest X-ray, show that a person may have TB. A tuberculin skin test cannot tell how long you have been infected with TB. It also cannot tell if the infection is latent (inactive) or is active and can be passed to others. Why It Is Done. A tuberculin skin test is done to find people who have tuberculosis (TB), including: People who have been in close contact with someone known to have TB.