The Tuberculin Skin Test in Long-Term Care Facilities

Miguel G. Madariaga, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Philip W. Smith, MD, Professor of Medicine and Division Chief, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.

Tuberculosis is a re-emerging public health threat. This article discusses the particular characteristics of tuberculosis among older adults and the use of the tuberculin skin test as a tool for diagnosis of tuberculosis infection with emphasis in long-term care facility residents. An overview of new diagnostic tests based on gamma interferon release is also included.
Key words: tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, long-term care facilities, purified protein derivative.