Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,National Center for HIV Viral Hepatitis STD and TB Prevention
TB Elimination: Tuberculin Skin Testing
This information sheet discusses TB testing using the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) to determine whether an individual is infected with Mycobacterium TB. It discusses how the TST is administered, how it is read, how TST reactions are interpreted the classification of the TST skin test reaction, what are false-positive and false-negative reactions, who can receive a TST and how often the test can be repeated, what is a boosted reaction, why two-step testing is conducted, and whether TSTs can be given to persons receiving vaccinations.
TB Elimination: Targeted Tuberculosis Testing and Interpreting Tuberculin Skin Test Results
The information sheet discusses targeted TB testing, the decision to focus on groups at highest risk for latent TB infection (LTBI) and advises appropriate treatment and treatment completion to prevent LTBI progressing to active disease. It explains tuberculin skin testing (TST) and the test reactions that indicate whether an individual has LTBI; lists the criteria for classifying positive TST reactions; and describes persons at risk for developing TB disease including clinical conditions that increase the risk of LTBI becoming TB disease.
Effective HIV and STD Prevention Programs for Youth: A Summary of Scientific Evidence
Bringing High-Quality HIV and STD Prevention to Youth in Schools: CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health
The Role of STD Prevention and Treatment in HIV Prevention
Testing for Tuberculosis (TB)
In a question and answer format, this information sheet discusses testing for tuberculosis (TB). There are two kinds of tests that are used to determine if a person has been infected with TB bacteria: the tuberculin skin test (TST) and TB blood tests.
Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Interpreting Tuberculin Skin Results
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) - Blood Tests for TB Infection
This information sheet discusses interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), which are whole-blood tests used in diagnosing both latent TB infection and TB disease. It notes that two IGRAs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are commercially available in the United States. The information sheet explains how the IGRAs work; the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of IGRAs; steps in administering these tests; interpretation; recommendations on when to use them; and whether IGRAs can be given to persons receiving vaccinations.