WHO. Chest radiography in tuberculosis detection – Summary of current WHO recommendations and guidance on programmatic approaches

The document is a consolidated summary of WHO recommendations on the use chest radiography (CXR) in TB detection and guidance on programmatic approaches to use CXR within primary care services. CXR is an essential tool for the early detection of TB, and therefore fundamental to achieve the targets set out in WHO’s End TB Strategy. Innovation to end TB begins by maximizing the use of the tools we have, while stimulating new ones. Effective use of chest radiography provides an opportunity to rapidly reach more people ill with TB.
The document also describes new technological developments in CXR, such as computer aided detection of TB (CAD) that holds promise for future use but needs to be further evaluated before WHO guidance is developed. The document provides guidance in the following areas: Chest radiography as a triage tool.
Chest radiography as a diagnostic aid. Chest radiography as a screening tool. Technical specification, quality assurance and safety. Strategic planning for use of CXR in national TB control.
The document was reviewed and finalized based on a WHO expert consultation. The experts also scoped the evidence on computer aided detection of TB. Computer aided detection (CAD) software can analyze digital CXR images for abnormalities associated with pulmonary TB.

The document is available here!