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“The statistics of tuberculosis are staggering – the human cost of this disease is profound. The stories from TB survivors bring home the impact that this disease has on individual lives. For the last 18 years all of us at Oxford Immunotec have dedicated ourselves to diagnosing this disease better so that we can help people like Shaka, Kate and Khayr. We are proud to play our small part in this big problem.”

Dr. Peter Wrighton-Smith, former CEO, Oxford Immunotec

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Who to test for tuberculosis (TB)1

Testing plays a vital role in finding and treating both latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. It is essential to test those at high-risk, a category which includes those with weakened immune systems. It is also important to test those who have been exposed to TB or have friends and family with the disease. Finally, healthcare personnel should be tested upon hire and health care facilities might consider using serial TB screening of certain groups who are at increased occupational risk for TB exposure.2

Tools for testing3

For many years, there was only one way to test for TB: the tuberculin skin test (TST). This is no longer the case, as there are now two categories of tests to detect TB infection: the TST and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), including the T-SPOT.TB test, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test (QFT®-Plus), and LIAISON® QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (LIAISON QFT-Plus). All of these tests are used as diagnostic aids in determining the presence of latent or active TB.

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Who to treat4

For those with active TB disease, the decision to treat is vital to the survival of the patient. For those with LTBI, however, it is less straightforward. In 2018, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly convened their first ever meeting on TB. The theme of the meeting was, “United to end tuberculosis: an urgent global response to a global epidemic.” The meeting endorsed a declaration aimed at accelerating the pace of the global fight to end TB.5

Why to treat6

After testing, treatment is the next step in the fight against TB. Treating the disease is an essential piece in the battle to stop it from spreading. While treatment can be difficult and lengthy, it is easier and quicker to treat LTBI than it is to treat active disease. What are the consequences of failing to treat LTBI? Learn more about LTBI and why treatment is recommended by many experts:

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