Diagnosis of active and latent tuberculosis: summary of NICE guidance

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a major preventable infectious cause of morbidity and mortality globally, which has re-emerged in high risk groups such as migrants, homeless people, problem drug users, and prisoners in the UK.1 This article summarises the most recent recommendations (2011) from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)2 on the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis (including the use of new tests) and of active tuberculosis. Although this summary focuses on diagnosis, the full guidelines cover the public health and clinical management of tuberculosis and replaced the guidelines published in 2006.3 NICE recommendations are based on systematic reviews of best available evidence and explicit consideration of cost effectiveness. When minimal evidence is available, recommendations are based on the Guideline Development Group’s experience and opinion of what constitutes good practice. Evidence levels for the recommendations are given in italic in square brackets. ### Diagnosing latent tuberculosis (New/updated recommendations) #### All contacts of tuberculosis cases, aged 5 years or older #### Household contacts aged 2–5 years