Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Laboratory Test Methods (Online CE Course)

(based on 236 customer ratings)

Author: Julie Ann West, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CMSMCM
Reviewer: Christine Mayambala, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM and Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

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This course provides information about the difference between active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), etiology, pathogenesis, and distribution both in the US and globally. Targeted testing of individuals (based on risk factors), as well as laboratory testing methods (to include the tuberculin skin test [TST] and interferon gamma release assay [IGRA]) are described. An emphasis on laboratorian troubleshooting of aberrant results is included. The course concludes with a brief description of recommended treatment and management regimens for LTBI (including the role of laboratory in the monitoring of infected individuals).

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 3/31/2027
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Microbiology/Mycology/Parasitology): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 3/31/2027

Objectives

  • Explain the difference between active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).
  • Describe the etiology and pathogenesis of TB disease and LTBI.
  • Summarize the epidemiology of TB disease and LTBI in the United States and globally.
  • Describe targeted testing and who should be tested for TB infection.
  • Examine recommended TB test methods, interpretations, and limitations.
  • Discuss recommended treatment and management regimens for patients with LTBI.

Customer Ratings

(based on 236 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction
      • Introduction
      • Historical Background
      • What is the Difference Between Latent and Active TB?
      • Terminology
      • List of Terms and Abbreviations
      • Which of the following statements is correct regarding LTBI?
      • Select the statement that best corresponds to the abbreviation IGRA.
  • Etiology and Pathogenesis
      • Etiology
      • Pathogenesis of Active Tuberculosis
      • Pathogenesis of Latent Tuberculosis
      • Risk of Activation from Latent to Active Tuberculosis
      • In LTBI:
      • Expected laboratory findings in a case of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) might be:
      • True or False: The risk of activation from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (TB) disease is approximately 17–20% over...
  • Epidemiology
  • Targeted Testing
      • Targeted Testing: Who Should be Tested for TB Infection?
      • Targeted Testing: Who Should be Tested for TB Infection? (continued)
      • Special Consideration: Individuals Vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin Vaccine
      • Persons at high risk for TB infection fall into which two broad categories?
      • Which statement best reflects people at high risk for TB infection or TB disease after infection?
  • Test Methods
  • Treatment and Management
      • Recommended Treatment Regimens for LTBI
      • Recommended Patient Management Regimen for LTBI
      • In Summary
      • Duration of drug treatment for LTBI may be as short as three months or as long as:
      • Patient management for individuals on drug treatment for LTBI include:
  • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, microbiology staff, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Dr. Julie Ann West is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and as a Specialist in Microbiology (SM). In addition, Dr. West has earned a PhD in Public Health - Infectious Disease Epidemiology and is Certified in Public Health (CPH) by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Dr. West is experienced as a Technical Specialist, Safety Officer, Educator, and Lead in the Veterans Administration Healthcare System and has prior experience as an Administrative Laboratory Director.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Christine Mayambala, PhD, is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). She has earned a PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology Specialization. Dr. Mayambala is experienced as a Generalist and Molecular Technologist. Dr. Mayambala has taught pre-nursing and medical laboratory technology at a community college in Metro Atlanta.
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.
Course Description: This course provides information about the difference between active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), etiology, pathogenesis, and distribution both in the United States and globally. Targeted testing of individuals based on risk factors, as well as laboratory testing methods, including the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), are described. An emphasis on laboratorian troubleshooting of aberrant results is included. The course concludes with a brief description of recommended treatment and management regimens for LTBI.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 181 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Figure 6. Administering the TST


Figure 7. Reading the TST


Figure 1. Take on Latent TB Infection


Figure 2. This photomicrograph of a Ziehl-Neelsen-stained specimen,</br> revealed the presence of magenta-stained, rod-shaped,</br> acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli.


Figure 3. Tuberculosis (TB) Disease: Only the Tip of the Iceberg


Figure 8. Two-step TST testing strategy