Is there a value of Mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in pre-employment screening of health care workers for tuberculosis in a high prevalence country?

N. S. Ali, Syed F. Hussain, S. I. Azam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

SETTING: Pre-employment screening of health care workers (HCWs) is practiced widely. Research needs to be carried out to evaluate the screening procedure in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB), in pre-employment screening of HCWs, in a high prevalence country. DESIGN: Pre-employment screening of all new employees was reviewed from June to September 2000. The screening consisted of history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, Mantoux test and a chest radiograph. Patients with clinical, laboratory or radiological features suggestive of active TB were referred to a specialist. RESULTS: Out of 207 employees, a Mantoux reaction of ≥ 10 mm and ESR of ≥ 25 mm/first hour was noted in 90 (43.5%) and 21 (10.1%), respectively. One person had symptoms suggestive of TB and was already on anti-tuberculosis therapy at the time of screening. All other employees were asymptomatic. Based on radiographic findings, four (2%) cases were referred and one was given anti-tuberculosis therapy. An additional 48 (23.1%) employees were referred on the basis of positive Mantoux or elevated ESR; none were found to have active TB. CONCLUSION: In high prevalence countries use of Mantoux test and ESR in pre-employment screening of HCWs is not recommended for detection of active TB.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1012-1016
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume6
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2002

Keywords

  • Mantoux test
  • Pre-employment screening
  • Tuberculosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is there a value of Mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in pre-employment screening of health care workers for tuberculosis in a high prevalence country?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this