The Risk of Tuberculosis in the United States
Although the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) is substantially lower in the United States compared to other continents such as Africa, Asia, Central and South America, there has been a minor increase in TB cases since they reached a low point during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) persistently advocates for TB testing in both salaried and volunteer healthcare personnel on their employment commencement, regardless of the relatively low risk.
Types of Tuberculosis Testing
There are two methods for TB testing which are available. These include the Tuberculin Skin Test and the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood tests. Both testing types are effective yet with contrasting advantages.
The Advantage of IGRA Blood Tests
Many businesses might prefer the swifter turn-around time and more precise results that come with the IGRA test, such as QuantiFERON -TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus). It’s an accurate and swift tool that has proven advantageous over the years.
Partnering with Occupational Health Entities for TB Testing
A reliable occupational health partner, akin to Concentra, can provide immense guidance for employers in deciding the best testing method suitable for their workforce’s needs. It is critical for businesses to make wise health decisions, particularly with infectious diseases like TB.