Overseas screening for tuberculosis in immigrants and refugees to the United States: current status

The number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in foreign-born persons in the United States during 1995 was 8,042, 36% of the national total. The overseas screening of immigrants and refugee visa applicants, which relies on a chest radiograph and smear microscopy, is designed to identify future U.S. residents who have active TB or who are at high risk for TB. In this commentary, we summarize current policies and review retrospective evaluations of the screening system currently in place. The system appears to detect most persons who have active TB at the time of screening. However, active TB is actually diagnosed in < 15% of persons who are identified by screening as having suspected TB and who are evaluated in the United States. To improve the system, more sensitive and specific techniques as well as improved means of data transmission to state and local health departments are needed.