Screening & Diagnosis
TASO conducts TB screening for individuals at risk, including those living with HIV/AIDS who are more susceptible to TB co-infection.
Overview
Through its comprehensive approach to TB screening and diagnosis, TASO aims to identify TB cases early, ensure timely initiation of treatment, and prevent further transmission of the disease within communities. By integrating TB services into its broader healthcare programs and engaging communities in TB control efforts, TASO contributes to the overall goal of reducing the burden of TB and improving health outcomes for individuals affected by this disease.
Get to know TASO`s approach
Screening and diagnosis are foundational components of TASO’s tuberculosis (TB) program, crucial for early detection and effective management of TB cases. Here’s how TASO approaches screening and diagnosis:
Risk Assessment: TASO conducts thorough risk assessments to identify individuals at higher risk of TB infection or disease. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS, household contacts of TB patients, healthcare workers, and individuals living in congregate settings such as prisons or homeless shelters.
Symptom Screening: TASO employs symptom-based screening methods to identify individuals who may have active TB disease. Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and chest pain. Individuals presenting with these symptoms undergo further evaluation for TB.
Diagnostic Tests: TASO utilizes various diagnostic tests to confirm TB infection or disease. This may include sputum microscopy, where sputum samples are examined under a microscope for the presence of TB bacteria, or molecular tests such as GeneXpert® MTB/RIF for rapid and accurate TB detection, especially in individuals with HIV co-infection.
Chest X-rays: Chest X-rays are commonly used in TB diagnosis to detect abnormalities in the lungs suggestive of TB disease. TASO may employ chest X-rays as part of the diagnostic workup for individuals suspected of having TB, particularly those with respiratory symptoms.
Contact Tracing: In addition to screening symptomatic individuals, TASO conducts contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to TB and are at risk of developing active disease. Contacts of TB patients undergo screening and diagnostic testing as appropriate to detect latent TB infection or early-stage disease.
Integration with HIV Services: TASO integrates TB screening and diagnosis into its HIV/AIDS services, recognizing the high burden of TB among people living with HIV/AIDS. Routine TB screening is conducted for HIV-positive individuals, and those diagnosed with TB receive prompt initiation of treatment to prevent disease progression and improve outcomes.
Community Engagement: TASO engages communities in TB screening and diagnosis efforts through community education and awareness campaigns. By raising awareness about TB symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection, TASO encourages individuals to seek TB testing and treatment promptly.