Which test is commonly used to screen for latent tuberculosis before starting TNF-inhibitor therapy?

Which test is commonly used to screen for latent tuberculosis before starting TNF-inhibitor therapy?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. TB skin test
• C. ECG
• D. Blood glucose

Answer: (B)

TNF inhibitors can allow latent TB infection to reactivate, so screening for latent tuberculosis before starting therapy is essential. The tuberculin skin test is the test most commonly used for this purpose because it quickly shows whether the immune system has been sensitized to TB antigens. A positive induration indicates latent TB and prompts further workup, typically including a chest X-ray to exclude active disease and, if latent TB is confirmed, preventive treatment before or during TNF-inhibitor therapy. Chest X-ray alone can’t reliably identify latent TB, and ECG or blood glucose aren’t relevant to TB screening.

TNF inhibitors can allow latent TB infection to reactivate, so screening for latent tuberculosis before starting therapy is essential. The tuberculin skin test is the test most commonly used for this purpose because it quickly shows whether the immune system has been sensitized to TB antigens. A positive induration indicates latent TB and prompts further workup, typically including a chest X-ray to exclude active disease and, if latent TB is confirmed, preventive treatment before or during TNF-inhibitor therapy. Chest X-ray alone can’t reliably identify latent TB, and ECG or blood glucose aren’t relevant to TB screening.