The TB Prevention and Control Program provides examination, diagnosis and treatment with directly observed therapy (DOT) for people with suspected or confirmed active tuberculosis disease. The program also provides screening and preventive medicine for those with a known exposure to TB or those from high-risk populations.
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
DOT and Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT) are recognized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most effective means to control TB. Therapies consist of a healthcare worker observing patients taking their prescribed medications. During each treatment visit for DOT or DOPT, patients are assessed for adverse reactions.
DOT and DOPT may be administered at the City Chest Clinic, home, or job site. A nurse at the hospital or school may administer DOT and DOPT as arranged through the TB clinic.
Outreach & Surveillance
Outreach and surveillance activities include contact investigations and TB screening. Contact investigations include searching for those who may have been exposed to TB and conducting screening programs in population groups at increased risk of TB. Our program uses the T-spot IGRA blood test as the recognized standard for TB screening.