Cost-Effectiveness of Tuberculosis Screening for Travelers
Author Information
Author(s): Tan Michael, Menzies Dick, Schwartzman Kevin
Primary Institution: Respiratory Epidemiology Unit, Montreal Chest Institute
Hypothesis
What is the cost-effectiveness of different tuberculosis screening strategies for travelers to high-incidence countries?
Conclusion
A single post-trip tuberculin skin test was the most cost-effective strategy for travelers from the United States or Canada.
Supporting Evidence
- A single post-trip tuberculin test was the cheapest and most effective intervention.
- The cost per case prevented varied significantly based on the travel destination.
- Screening became more cost-effective with longer trip durations.
- Travelers born in high-incidence countries may have longstanding infections.
- Costs were expressed in 2005 US dollars.
Takeaway
If you travel to countries where tuberculosis is common, getting a skin test after your trip is the best way to check for infection without spending too much money.
Methodology
A decision analysis model was used to evaluate four screening interventions for 1,000 travelers visiting high-incidence countries.
Limitations
The analysis did not evaluate the use of interferon-gamma release assays and was limited to travelers from the US and Canada.
Participant Demographics
Travelers were assumed to be 21 years old and HIV-seronegative, with some born in the US or Canada and others in high-incidence countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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