title: Lack of patient registration in the electronic TB register for sputum smear-positive patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: Analysis of diagnostic smear positive records from the laboratory from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa shows that not all patients are counted in surveillance efforts. However, review of paper-based patient records suggests the majority of identified TB patients are being treated. Directly linking laboratory and clinical records would enhance surveillance information.
authors.affiliation: Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Africa. ccbristow@gmail.com
authors.forename: Claire C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Bristow
authors.forename: Athmanundh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dilraj
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Margot
authors.forename: Laura Jean
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Podewils
mesh_terms: D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D012042:Registries / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*
keywords: Case finding; Sputum smear; Surveillance; Tuberculosis