Guidance for tuberculosis prevention and control programs in Canada / : Orientations pour les programmes de prévention et de contrôle de la tuberculose au Canada

In response to the continuing presence of TB in Canada and the ongoing challenges in its prevention and control, the current document provides a framework and guidance for optimal TB control, through the adoption of best practices aimed at reducing the disease nationally and internationally. [...] In view of the continuing presence of TB in Canada and the ongoing challenges in its prevention and control, stakeholders have recognized the need to identify the best practices and targets to which all should aspire. [...] The objective of the TB program is to provide the essential components of TB prevention and control as per Canadian and international standards and to thereby minimize active TB disease and transmission. [...] Persons with HIV infection as per the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards and Recommendations for the Screening and Prevention of TB in Patients with HIV and the Screening for HIV in TB Patients and Their Contacts15. [...] The role of the TB laboratory is as follows: 1. To ensure that there is timely confirmation and reporting of cases of active TB disease 2. To maintain a high standard of quality laboratory testing and bio-safety 3. To improve and enhance TB laboratory diagnostic and reference test methodologies 4. To provide expert consultative advice and education on diagnostic and other laboratory tests for TB a