The National Latent TB Infection (LTBI) Testing and Treatment Programme offers a screening blood test for latent (inactive/dormant/sleeping) TB to all new entrants aged 16 to 35 years and from countries with a higher incidence of tuberculosis. This is in addition to the chest X-ray, which checks for active TB/TB disease carried out prior to entry into the UK. New entrants who test positive for LTBI will be offered a free course of treatment. 

Eligible new registrants to primary care should be informed that they will be contacted directly by the TB service to arrange local screening. The screening team can also be contacted via email whh-tr.tbservicenewentrantscreening@nhs.net

Reassurance should be provided explaining that screening is free of charge and not linked to immigration status. 

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• born or spent > six months in high TB-incidence country (>150/100,000) 
• entered the UK within the last five years (including where entry was via other countries such as within EU/EEA)
• aged 16-35 years
• not previously been screened for TB in the UK.