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Tuberculosis (TB) Screening

Overview

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends TB testing for people at increased risk for TB infection. These may include those who:footnote 1

  • Live with or spend time with someone who has TB.
  • Were born in or lived in countries where TB is common.
  • Live or have lived in crowded conditions where TB can easily spread, such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, or correctional facilities.
  • Work in a hospital or nursing home.

You may also be tested for TB if you have HIV, other medical problems, or misuse drugs or alcohol.

References

Citations

  1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2016). Screening for latent tuberculosis infection in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 316(9): 962–969. DOI:10.1001/jama.2016.11046. Accessed September 7, 2016.

Credits

Current as of: October 31, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
R. Steven Tharratt MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease

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