Release Date: March 19, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
World TB Day 2008 will Unveil New TB Test in Bexar County
Metro Health prepares for QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test
Metro Health is improving its capacity to more efficiently and accurately screen tuberculosis (TB) with a new test for the infectious disease. A demonstration of the soon-to-be launched QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) Gold In-Tube test will take place as Metro Health observes World TB Day 2008.
The local observance of World TB Day on Monday, March 24 also includes a program detailing The Face of Tuberculosis in Texas. The event is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium, 600 Soledad. Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of health, will provide opening remarks for the program, which will inform stakeholders and the public about TB’s impact on our community and the state. Staff also will detail and demonstrate the QFT Gold test. A poster presentation will be on display as well.
Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis (TB) remains the second leading killer in the world, with more than a million and a-half TB-related deaths each year and nearly nine million new cases each year. During the past three years in Bexar County, 72 to 91 new cases of active TB have been reported annually. The disease affects all age groups. Children and those with comprised immune systems are especially susceptible.
“Despite low rates of tuberculosis in the United States, TB remains at pandemic levels across the world. With an increasingly global society, we have not just a moral obligation but a vested interest to do everything in our power to stop TB,” said Dr. Guerra. “Here locally, the new testing method should increase our ability to quickly diagnose the disease so we can refer positive individuals for treatment.”
The QFT Gold test is a more accurate screening tool and replaces the tuberculin skin test (TST). The new test relies on a single visit for a blood sample. TST required two visits, one for the test and the second to read the results of the skin test reaction. Thus, if the participant did not return to the clinic within 48 to 72 hours, the results were unknown. QFT tests will improve Metro Health’s ability to quickly and accurately screen clients for all contagious strains, including multidrug-resistant TB.
Local efforts to combat tuberculosis are in line with the international call for World TB Day. This year’s slogan is I am Stopping TB. The goal is to motivate everyone to do something to stop TB and to celebrate anyone who has contributed towards the global fight, including nurses, doctors, researchers, and community workers.
For more information about the local observance or Metro Health’s TB Program, call 207-8823.
