A positive TB skin test or TB blood test only indicates that a person has been infected with TB bacteria; it cannot tell whether the person has LTBI or is sick with TB disease. A chest x-ray, a sample of sputum, and possibly other tests, are needed to diagnose TB disease.

TB tests are generally not needed for people with no risk of infection from TB. Some people should be tested because they are more likely to get TB disease. People who should be tested include:

• People who have been in close contact with someone who has infectious TB disease.
• People with HIV infection or another medical problem that weakens the immune system or before taking prescribed medication that intentionally suppresses the immune system.
• People who have symptoms of TB disease (fever, night sweats, cough, and weight loss).
• People who have lived or worked in a country where TB disease is common (includes any country other than the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a country in western or northern Europe).

If you think you may need to get tested for TB, or want more information, talk to your health care provider and Island County Public Health.

Screening

• Adult TB Risk Assessment (WA DOH) - Use this tool to identify asymptomatic adults for latent TB infection (LTBI) testing.

• Pediatric TB Risk Assessment (WA DOH) - Use this tool to identify asymptomatic children for LTBI testing.

• Tuberculosis Symptom Screening  (WA DOH) - Used when performing symptom screening for patients with prior TB infection or disease.

• USPSTF Final Recommendation Statement for Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Screening - U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for TB infection in populations at increased risk.

Testing

• ATS/IDSA/CDC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children - Recommendations about the diagnosis of TB infection and TB disease in adults and children.

• The BCG World Atlas - Information on BCG policies and practice for over 180 countries to assist clinicians with interpretation of TB diagnostics.

• TB Laboratory Diagnostics Summary  (WA DOH) - Provides an overview of the various laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of TB

• TST in 3D - This online TST/IGRA interpreter estimates the risk of active tuberculosis for an adult based on his/her reaction to a tuberculin skin test (TST) or Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and clinical profile.

• TST Ruler - Used to measure the raised skin reaction from a TST. Available to order from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Tuberculin Skin Test Record - Template for documentin TST information.​

Treatment

• LTBI Treatment Guidance in Washington State, updated 5/2022  (WA DOH) and LTBI Treatment Quick Reference Sheet  (WA DOH) - Provides guidance on using rifamycin-based, shorter course regimens for treating LTBI.

• ATS/IDSA/CDC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis -Recommendations on the clinical and public health management of TB in children and adults.

• Latent TB Infection Resources - CDC's one-stop-shop for LTBI information, guidance, and educational materials.

• Managing Drug Interactions in the Treatment of HIV-Related TB - CDC guidelines for treating HIV and TB together.

Consultation

• TB Project ECHO - A videoconference meeting tor clinicians to get consultation on TB infection or TB disease cases and participate in case-based learning and TB-related didactics.