title: Tuberculin skin test: operational research in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate operational aspects of tuberculin skin test (TST) use in tuberculosis control programs and at specialized Brazilian National Sexually Transmitted Diseases/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Program health care clinics in priority municipalities for tuberculosis control in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological survey. Data on qualifications/training of professionals administering TSTs, timing of the TST, procedures in cases of loss to follow-up (reading), material availability, and material storage were collected through interviews and technical visits. For the 2008-2009 period, we determined the numbers of screenings in vulnerable populations, of TSTs performed, and of patients treated for latent tuberculosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We interviewed 12 program managers in six municipalities. Some programs/clinics did not perform TSTs. Nursing teams administered the TSTs, results were read by non-specialists, and specialization/refresher courses were scarce. The PPD RT23 was stored in 5-mL flasks under appropriate conditions. Insulin syringes were commonly used. Testing was available during business hours, three times a week. In cases of loss to follow-up, telephone calls or home visits were made. Of the 2,305 TSTs evaluated, 1,053 (46%) were performed in indigenous populations; 831 (36%) were screenings in prisons, performed for training; and only 421 (18%) involved contacts of tuberculosis patients or vulnerable populations. Four vulnerable patients and 126 indigenous subjects were treated for latent tuberculosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These priority municipalities showed operational difficulties regarding human resources, materials, and data records.
authors: Professora Esterina Corsini Day Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil. sandrinhaleone@gmail.com
authors: Sandra Maria do Valle Leone de
authors: SM
authors: Oliveira
authors: Antônio
authors: A
authors: Ruffino-Netto
authors: Anamaria Mello Miranda
authors: AM
authors: Paniago
authors: Olcinei Alves de
authors: OA
authors: Oliveira
authors: Marli
authors: M
authors: Marques
authors: Rivaldo Venâncio da
authors: RV
authors: Cunha
authors: Renato
authors: R
authors: Andreotti
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002947:Cities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006280:Health Workforce / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D014374:Tuberculin Test / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*