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

Abstract

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.