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TB Elimination: Targeted Tuberculosis Testing and Interpreting Tuberculin Skin Test Results

Information Sheet
TB Elimination: Targeted Tuberculosis Testing and Interpreting Tuberculin Skin Test Results

The information sheet discusses targeted TB testing, the decision to focus on groups at highest risk for latent TB infection (LTBI) and advises appropriate treatment and treatment completion to prevent LTBI progressing to active disease. It explains tuberculin skin testing (TST) and the test reactions that indicate whether an individual has LTBI; lists the criteria for classifying positive TST reactions; and describes persons at risk for developing TB disease including clinical conditions that increase the risk of LTBI becoming TB disease. The information sheet also discusses special considerations such as interpreting TST results in persons who had received BCG vaccine, HIV-positive persons, and recent contacts of an individual with infectious TB. It provides contact information for sources of additional information.

Audiences:

At Risk Persons

Topic:

TB Skin Test

Country of Origin:

United States

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Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Interpreting Tuberculin Skin Results

This information sheet discusses targeted tuberculin testing focusing on the groups at highest risk for latent TB infection (LTBI). It advises that testing should be given to those at highest risk for developing TB, and once TB disease has been ruled out, then it should be offered to those who would benefit from LTBI treatment. It also explains the steps that should be taken to ensure completion of the regimen. The information sheet groups persons at risk for developing TB disease into two categories: those who have been recently infected, and those with clinical conditions that increase the risk of progression from LTBI to TB disease. It also lists criteria for classifying positive TST reactions and clarifies questions about the interpretation of TST results in persons who had received bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, persons with HIV infection, and recent contacts of a person with active TB.

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Information Sheet

Global resources for the prevention,
management, and elimination of TB.