A study of neonatal BCG immunization within an acute hospital trust

Tuberculosis is a re-emerging problem in the United Kingdom. BCG immunization administered in the neonatal period is protective. National guidelines and locally published standards identify infants for whom BCG immunization is recommended. The study aimed to calculate the rate of identification of infants 'at risk' by parental ethnic group and/or family history of tuberculosis, to determine subsequent immunization uptake, and to describe characteristics associated with missed BCG immunization.

A retrospective audit was conducted. Demographic data were collected from a computer database of antenatal booking data, for 2043 pregnancies delivering between 1 October 1998 and 30 April 1999. A cohort of infants 'at risk' was defined, and infants referred for BCG immunization were identified. A manual search of immunization records determined immunization uptake.

A cohort of 247 (12 per cent pregnancies) was 'at risk'. Fifty-five per cent of the cohort 'at risk' was correctly identified and 42 per cent correctly identified and immunized. The largest subgroup of the cohort, 48 per cent, was Caucasian and at risk because of a positive family history of tuberculosis. Family history of tuberculosis was the most important risk factor, and was missed in 86 per cent of cases.

Despite the local publication of established guidelines, 58 per cent of infants 'at risk' failed to be immunized. Family history of tuberculosis was more important than parental ethnic group in predicting risk for the cohort, and was missed in the majority of cases. Appropriate guidelines alone do not guarantee good practice. Guidelines should be introduced in conjunction with regular audit to ensure effective implementation.