From the Guidelines
Yes, a positive Tuberculin (TB) test should be reported to public health authorities. According to the American Thoracic Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reporting of tuberculosis suspects, including those with positive tuberculin skin test results, is essential for action by the tuberculosis control program at local, state, and national levels 1. This reporting enables public health services to assist the physician in the proper management of the case, including epidemiologic evaluation and identification of source cases and contacts. Key points to consider when reporting a positive TB test include:
- Reporting is mandatory in most jurisdictions and should be done promptly, typically within a working day 1
- The report should include patient demographics, test results, and clinical information
- Public health officials may conduct contact investigations to identify others who may have been exposed to TB
- Reporting is essential for TB surveillance and control because tuberculosis is a communicable disease with public health implications
- Early reporting enables prompt treatment, which can help prevent TB transmission in communities and contribute to global TB control efforts.
From the Research
Reporting of Positive Tuberculin Test Results
- A positive Tuberculin test result indicates latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or active tuberculosis (TB) disease, and reporting of such results is crucial for TB control 2, 3, 4.
- According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, individuals at increased risk of LTBI should be tested with an interferon-gamma release assay or tuberculin skin testing, and both suspected and confirmed cases of LTBI and TB disease must be reported to local or state health departments 2.
- In many countries, including Australia, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom, laws on communicable disease notification include TB notification, highlighting the importance of reporting TB cases 3.
- Prompt laboratory reporting of TB test results is necessary for TB control, and delays in reporting can impact the initiation of treatment for TB patients 4.
Importance of Reporting
- Reporting of positive Tuberculin test results allows for early identification and treatment of individuals with LTBI, which is essential for preventing the progression to active TB disease 2, 5.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend that either a TST or an IGRA can be used to detect LTBI in high-income and upper middle-income countries, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting of test results 5.
- Accurate reporting of TB cases also enables health authorities to monitor the incidence of TB and develop effective strategies for TB control and prevention 3, 4.