Clinical Infectious Diseases
Volume 23, Issue 6, 1996, Pages 1226-1232

Overseas screening for tuberculosis in immigrants and refugees to the United States: Current status (Article) (Open Access)

Binkin N.J.* , Zuber P.L.F. , Wells C.D. , Tipple M.A. , Castro K.G.
  • a Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Natl. Ctr. HIV/AIDS, S.T.D./T.P., Centers for Dis. Contr. and Prev., 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States
  • b [Affiliation not available]
  • c [Affiliation not available]
  • d [Affiliation not available]
  • e [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

The number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in foreign-born persons in the United States during 1995 was 8,042, 36% of the national total. The overseas screening of immigrants and refugee visa applicants, which relies on a chest radiograph and smear microscopy, is designed to identify future U.S. residents who have active TB or who are at high risk for TB. In this commentary, we summarize current policies and review retrospective evaluations of the screening system currently in place. The system appears to detect most persons who have active TB at the time of screening. However, active TB is actually diagnosed in <15% of persons who are identified by screening as having suspected TB and who are evaluated in the United States. To improve the system, more sensitive and specific techniques as well as improved means of data transmission to state and local health departments are needed.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

thorax radiography priority journal tuberculosis immigrant refugee infection risk mass screening health care policy Article disease transmission United States human human cell human tissue
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030462813&doi=10.1093%2fclinids%2f23.6.1226&partnerID=40&md5=eddf758136551278ae96a7cf69f0f92b
DOI: 10.1093/clinids/23.6.1226
ISSN: 10584838
Cited by: 67
Original Language: English