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WHO Releases Updated TB Screening Guidelines

The latest WHO TB screening guidelines include the following major updates:

  • Community-wide systematic screening using an accurate screening and diagnostic algorithm may be used in settings with a TB prevalence of 0.5% and higher. (Average prevalence in the Philippines is around 1%.)
  • Computer-aided detection (CAD) is being recommended for the first time as an alternative to human interpretation of digital chest X-ray (CXR) for screening and triage for TB.
  • Molecular WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests (e.g., Xpert) may be used to improve the accuracy of symptom screening in populations at high risk of TB.

You may also check the operational handbook for more guidance.