Abstract:

Diagnosis of tuberculosis infection is a critical method for defining latent tuberculosis infection and assisting in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. With the promotion and application of new technologies such as interferon-gamma release assays and tuberculosis antigen-based skin tests, how to further standardize and efficiently apply the tuberculin skin test (TST) to serve China’s tuberculosis prevention and control efforts is an issue worthy of exploration. This guideline was initiated by the Center for Tuberculosis Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and developed by experts organized jointly by the Standardization Professional Branch of the Chinese Antituberculosis Association, the Infection Control Professional Branch of the Chinese Antituberculosis Association, and the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Antituberculosis. Based on domestic and international research progress and clinical practice experience, the expert panel thoroughly discussed the application value of TST in the auxiliary diagnosis of tuberculosis, identification of recent infection, and guidance for preventive treatment, and proposed corresponding recommendations, which aims to provide scientific and standardized practical guidance for tuberculosis prevention and control workers.

Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Tuberculin skin test, Guidebooks