Tuberculosis Contact Investigation Checklist

15 items · Health · Hard difficulty · 2 hours

Step-by-step TB contact investigation checklist for community health workers.

• Confirm index case details

  Record patient name, diagnosis date, test type (smear/Xpert), and treatment start date.

• Identify and list close contacts

  Collect names, ages, relation, phone, home/work addresses, and exposure locations.

• List household members
• List regular co-workers or classmates
• List other prolonged contacts (caregivers, frequent visitors)
• Prioritize contacts by risk

  Flag children <5, people with HIV, elderly, and immunosuppressed contacts first.

• Screen contacts for TB symptoms

  Ask about cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and duration of symptoms.

• Refer symptomatic contacts for urgent clinical evaluation and chest X-ray

  Arrange same-day or rapid clinic referral for anyone with TB symptoms.

• Arrange Mantoux (TST) or IGRA testing for eligible contacts

  Choose test per local protocol and patient age/immune status; schedule result reading.

• Assess eligibility for TB preventive therapy and start when indicated

  Evaluate test results, age, and risk factors; begin preventive therapy per guidelines.

• Refer children under 5 and people with HIV for immediate assessment

  Fast-track clinical review and consider preventive therapy even if tests are negative.

• Counsel contacts on infection prevention and when to seek care

  Explain cough hygiene, ventilation, and the symptoms that require urgent review.

• Schedule follow-up visits and set reminders for testing and results

  Plan 8–12 week follow-up or per local protocol; track appointments and outcomes.

• Support index case with DOT and adherence counseling

  Coordinate directly observed therapy, home visits, or phone support to ensure treatment completion.

• Document all steps, results, and communications in the patient record

  Record contacts listed, screenings, test dates/results, referrals, and therapy starts.

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