Why are healthy people tested for TB?

There are several reasons why healthy people may be tested for tuberculosis (TB):

1. Contact tracing: If someone is diagnosed with active TB, public health officials will often recommend testing people who have been in close contact with that person. This is because TB can be spread through close contact with someone who is actively infected.

2. Screening for latent TB infection: Latent TB infection (LTBI) is a condition in which a person has the TB bacteria in their body, but they are not actively sick with TB. LTBI can be treated with medication to prevent it from developing into active TB. Screening for LTBI is often recommended for:

* People who live or work in high-risk settings, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or healthcare facilities

* People who have certain medical conditions, such as HIV or diabetes

* People who are taking medications that can weaken the immune system

* Immigrants from countries with high rates of TB

3. Pre-employment screening: Some employers may require employees to be tested for TB before starting work. This is especially common in healthcare settings, where TB can pose a risk to patients.

4. Travel screening: Some countries require travelers to be tested for TB before entering the country. This is because TB can be spread through international travel.

5. Routine testing: Some healthcare providers may recommend that healthy people be tested for TB as part of a routine health check-up. This is especially important for people who live in areas with high rates of TB.

It is important to note that a positive TB test does not necessarily mean that a person is actively sick with TB. Further testing may be necessary to confirm an active TB infection.