Targeted testing for TB

Targeted Testing for Tuberculosis

Targeted testing is an essential TB prevention and control strategy that is used to identify, evaluate, and treat persons who are at high risk for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or at high risk for developing TB disease once infected with M. tuberculosis. Identifying persons with LTBI is important to the goal of TB control and elimination because treatment of LTBI can prevent infected persons from developing TB disease and stop the further spread of TB. All testing activities should be accompanied by a plan for appropriate follow-up medical evaluation and treatment. Necessary medical evaluation and treatment resources need to be identified before testing activities begin. Unfocused population-based testing is not cost-effective or useful and leads to unnecessary treatment. TB testing activities should be conducted only among high-risk groups, with the intent to treat if LTBI is detected. Once TB disease has been excluded, treatment of LTBI should be offered to patients regardless of their age, unless medically contraindicated.

However, there may be instances in which health care providers are asked to test individuals who are not necessarily regarded as high risk (e.g., daycare center workers, teachers, and U.S.-born students). A few simple questions will help health care providers assess a patient’s risk for LTBI.