Who should be tested for tuberculosis (TB)?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends TB testing for people at increased risk for TB infection. These may include those who:
- Live with or spend time with someone who has TB.
- Were born in or lived in countries where TB is common.
- Live or have lived in crowded conditions where TB can easily spread, such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, or correctional facilities.
- Work in a place where TB can easily spread, such as a hospital or nursing home.
- Have a weakened immune system from a health condition or from certain medicines.
You may also be tested for TB if you have HIV or other medical problems, if you inject illegal drugs, or before starting certain medicines.
If you are at high risk, screening for latent TB (bacteria are present but inactive) can lead to early treatment to prevent it from becoming active TB.
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