Reduced tuberculin reactions with a single-use Heaf gun

Abstract

The Heaf test was conventionally undertaken with a re-usable gun that required disinfection between subjects. Concern with cross-infection led to the development of a gun with a disposable head attached to a re-usable handle (Bignall Surgical Instruments) and, more recently, a single-use device (UniHeaf, Owen Mumford). Promotional literature states that the guns, respectively, contain pressure mechanisms that ensure proper skin penetration before needle release, or correct needle penetration even with the application of excessive pressure by an inexperienced operator. Both guns are recommended for Heaf testing as they avoid the need for disinfection, cleansing and maintenance. Pontypridd and Rhondda (PR) NHS Trust has an uninterrupted history of tuberculin testing on