Latent TB?

Okay, let me rephrase this :)

1. Does LTBI just mean a hx of Pos. PPD, but neg. CXR?

2. Does your facility automatically tx. if pos. PPD?

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Our state treats latent TB...when they have a positive TB test we question them of contact with active cases, if they have any syptoms and if they have any medical issues. Most of our patients are at high risk to be exposed and we lhave a protocol to treat them. We do a chest xray and do lab work and if there is no contraindications then we start them on 6 months treatment.

Sonya

If positive PPD and negative CXR we recommend treatment. They are counseled before starting RX on the importance of compliance. This is due to unfinished course of meds and the incidence of drug resistant TB. The health department prefers not to start treatment if the patient is not willing to be compliant and finish the course of medication. Patients are also referred out to the county TB clinic.

Once we establish a positive TST result and have ruled out active disease thru a chest x-ray and systems check, we determine whether they're a good candidate for INH therapy by their early release date. If they have enough time to complete 9 months of treatment, and agree to take the meds and to monthly bld draws we'll treat. Pills are direct observed therapy only and have to be dispensed at the medication window while the nurse and officer watch to make sure they're taken. We tend to be pro treatment. I haven't encountered active TB yet, and feel we have a good survelliance program in place. We use quanteferon gold occationally because of false positive and negative TST results. Hope that helps.

Latent TB is also known as Asymptomatic TB Infection.

It is a Reactive TB Skin test without other signs or symptoms.

Once the TB skin test is positive, it will always be positive. A base line chest x-ray should always be done for a new positive TB skin test.

The person should be monitored, annually, for symptoms of TB (cough, fever, weight loss). The annual CXR may not be necessary if the patient is asymptomatic.

Should you Treat Latent TB?

This is not Active TB. Treatment is totally optional. It is beneficial to the patient and beneficial to society in that they may not develop active TB.

Any more questions, please ask. These are the most recent CDC guidelines.