Improving Early Detection of Active TB Through Systematic Screening

Systematic screening for active TB is defined as the systematic identification of people with suspected active TB, in a predetermined target group, using tests, examinations or other procedures that can be applied rapidly.

The delay in diagnosing TB and initiating appropriate treatment is often long, especially in groups with poor access to health care. The burden of undetected TB is high in many settings, especially in some risk groups. Many people with active TB do not experience typical TB symptoms in the early stages of the disease. These individuals are unlikely to seek care early, and may not be properly diagnosed when seeking care. This and other barriers along the patient-initiated pathway leads to missed or delayed TB diagnoses.