[Case finding program for tuberculosis with special reference to chest x-ray examination]

An analysis of tuberculosis case-finding programme in Poland in 1966-1991 was performed. The main methods applied in practice were--case-finding according to "symptoms" and according to results of "chest x-ray examination". About 90% of new cases were detected by above mentioned methods. Case-finding according to "symptoms" was increasing parallel to age of patients and reached 74% in group over 60 years. On the other hand, the efficacy of chest x-ray examination was decreasing parallel to age of patients one was calculated as 19%. The case-finding method according to "symptoms" is suggested by authors as a basic and useful, especially in family doctor's practice. Chest x-ray examinations should be limited to high risk population.