TB Testing Guidelines for Healthcare Workers Have Changed

Follow this link for updated May 2019 Guidelines from the CDC:

https://lnkd.in/efCddv7

What is already known about this topic?

Since 1991, U.S. tuberculosis (TB) rates have declined, including among health care personnel (HCP). Serial TB testing has limitations in populations at low risk.

What is added by this report?

A systematic review found a low percentage of HCP have a positive TB test at baseline and upon serial testing. Updated recommendations for screening and testing HCP include an individual baseline (preplacement) risk assessment, symptom evaluation and testing of persons without prior TB or latent TB infection (LTBI), no routine serial testing in the absence of exposure or ongoing transmission, treatment for HCP diagnosed with LTBI, annual symptom screening for persons with untreated LTBI, and annual TB education of all HCP.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Increasing LTBI treatment among HCP might further decrease TB transmission in health care settings.