Bibliographic information

GuidelineWHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis
Year of Publication2025
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

Maintained

Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-based skin tests (TBSTs) may be used to test for TB infection.

Recommended in favor

Conditional

Notes and Remarks

Implementation considerations Considerations for implementation were as follows:

  • regulatory approval from national regulatory authorities or other relevant bodies is required before implementation of in vivo diagnostic tests;
  • appropriate communication on the new class of tests is necessary, highlighting the difference between the TST and TBSTs;
  • implementation of TBSTs requires a cold chain;
  • well-trained skilled staff are needed to administer and interpret this class of tests;
  • multiuse vials will require effective operational planning and batching; hence, single-use vials or vials with fewer doses to match daily needs are preferred;
  • procurement and stock management aspects will have to be considered, as with implementing any new class of tests;
  • because the reading of the TBST results requires a second patient visit, linkage to care requires reinforcement, to decrease loss to follow-up;
  • global market availability and necessary volumes of the new class of tests must be considered; and
  • measurement of the TBST reaction size and interpretation must be standardized.

Also Featured In

This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:

Originally Developed
Guideline

WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 3: diagnosis: tests for TB infection

Year2022
InstitutionWHO
Guideline

WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities.

Year2024
InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Guideline

WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 1: prevention: tuberculosis preventive treatment, 2nd ed

Year2024
InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Guideline

WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities, 2nd ed.

Year2025
InstitutionWorld Health Organization