National Tuberculosis 

Indicators Project (NTIP) 

USER GUIDE 2015

v

Dedication

To the state and local TB control partners who help bring NTIP vision to reality:

- Members of the Evaluation Workgroup (EWG) 

- Members of the first NTIP Development Workgroup 

- Members of the NTIP Workgroup for their tireless review of indicators

- Local partners and CDC field staff whose dedication and commitment to TB control and 

prevention continue to inspire us all

vii

National Tuberculosis Indicators Project (NTIP) User Guide

2015

The purpose of this NTIP user guide is to provide technical guidance in the use and 

interpretation of NTIP reports. 

None of the contents of this manual are intended to be specific guidance for tuberculosis 

medical practice, public health practice, program evaluation, or program management. 

However, NTIP is designed to be useful for workers in each of these areas. General knowledge 

in these areas is helpful for understanding NTIP and making optimal use of its reports, and this 

guide refers the user to national guidelines or policies that form the basis for the indicators and 

the interpretation of the reports in NTIP.

For future updates of this User Guide, please access 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/evaluation/pdf/ntipuserguide.pdf

The National Tuberculosis Indicators Project (NTIP) Companion for Data Managers can be 

accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/evaluation/pdf/companionfordatamanagers.pdf

Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 30329

1

NTIP User Guide was prepared by

Kai H. Young

Robert Pratt

Rachel Yelk Woodruff

Roque Miramontes

Thomas Navin

Field Services and Evaluation Branch

Surveillance, Epidemiology, Outbreak Investigation Branch

Data Management and Statistics Branch

Deborah Sodt

Minnesota Department of Health

Others contributed to the production of this document:

Northrop Grumman

Natalie Virgile

CDC Reviewers

Derrick Felix

Haylea Hannah

Carla Jeffries

John Jereb

Mark Miner

Wanda Walton

External Reviewers

Angela Allen

Sheanne Allen

Nancy Baruch

Jerry Carlile

Jason Cummins

Peter Dupree

Ellen Zager Hill

Cheryl Kearns

Liza King

Others contributed to the production of NTIP:

NTIP Workgroup, 2011-Present

Nancy Baruch

Jose Becerra

Terry Chorba

Judy Gibson

Stephen Hughes

Awal Khan

Roque Miramontes

Jane Moore

Thomas Navin

Robert Pratt

Sandy Price

Angela Starks

Frances Tyrrell

Rachel Yelk Woodruff

Kai H. Young
2

NTIP Development Workgroup, 2007-2009

Katie Garman

Stephen Hughes

John Jereb

Heather Morrow-Almeida

Barbara Stone

Deborah Sodt

Wendy Sutherland

Kai H. Young

NTIP Intensive Review, 2007

Janice Boutotte

Melissa Ehman

Kimberly Field

Phil Griffin 

Cathy Goldsborough

Chris Hayden

Stephen Hughes

Kashef Ijaz

John Jereb

Elisabeth Kingdon

Linda Leary

Masa Narita

Carol Pozsik

Maria Rodriguez

Kai H. Young

Other Collaborators

Ann Cass

Subroto Banerji

Melissa Ehman

Kimberly Field

Ellen Zager Hill

Eyal Oren

Masa Narita

Evaluation Workgroup (EWG), 2004-2007

National TB Objectives Workgroup, 2006

Greg Andrews

Dave Crowder

Kim Field

Jenny Flood

Maria Fraire

Michael Iademarco

Mark Lobato

Thomas Navin

Margaret Oxtoby

Carol Pozsik

Tom Shinnick

Barbara Stone

Anthony Tran

Ann Tyree

 Andy Vernon

Wanda Walton

Nancy Warren

 Maureen Wilce

Data Management and Statistics Branch

Cynthia Adams

Thomas (Vic) Bowker

Jose Becerra

Stacey Parker

Sandy Price

Jeanette Roberts

Katrina Williams
3

Division of Global Migration and Quarantine

Kendra Cuffe

Rossanne Philen 

Megan Weems

Daniel Wenger

Northrop Grumman

George Chen

Jeff Chrismon

Stephen Davenport

Nikolay Gannev

Jody Haney

Joan (Zhong) Li

Shonna Luten

Massimo (Max) Mirabito

Yasmin Smith

Silver Wang

WebPragma, 2007-2010

Gil Kasparek 

Lenny Santiago
4

Table of Contents

Abbreviations .....................................................................................................................7

I. Introduction................................................................................................................9

Goals and Purpose .................................................................................................. 9

National TB Indicators ............................................................................................ 9

Who Can Use NTIP?.............................................................................................. 13

Interpreting and Using NTIP Reports ...................................................................... 13

Organization of This User Guide ............................................................................. 14

II. NTIP System Overview ..............................................................................................15

NTIP System ............................................................................................................15

Data Security and Confidentiality............................................................................ 16

User Access ......................................................................................................... 16

Data Security on NTIP Server................................................................................. 16

Data Sharing Between States ................................................................................. 17

Collaborations Between States ............................................................................... 17

Access for Partners in TB Control ........................................................................... 17

Use of NTIP Data.................................................................................................. 17

Login Window ...........................................................................................................18

SAMS Menu......................................................................................................... 20

NTIP Terms of Use................................................................................................ 21

NTIP Menu and Announcements ............................................................................ 22

Contact Us and Accessibility Assistance.................................................................. 23

Help/Resources.........................................................................................................24

III. Generating NTIP Reports ..........................................................................................25

Reports ....................................................................................................................25

Data Sources: Current Data vs. Frozen Data............................................................. 26

Indicator Reports .................................................................................................. 30

Trend Graph...................................................................................................... 32

Data Completeness Report..................................................................................... 34

Performance Snapshot and Indicator Summary........................................................ 36
5

IV. Exporting NTIP Line-Listed Data ................................................................................39

Line List Spreadsheet ........................................................................................... 42

Case Information Details.................................................................................... 43

Case Local ID and Latest Update Date ................................................................ 44

Example of how to use the exported line list to determine patients for whom 

a particular objective was not met .......................................................................... 45

Exported Line List............................................................................................. 46

V. Monitoring Progress on Reducing TB Incidence ...........................................................47

TB Incidence Rate (Overall)................................................................................... 48

U.S.-Born Persons ................................................................................................ 50

Foreign-Born Persons ............................................................................................ 52

U.S.-Born Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans............................................... 54

Children Younger than 5 Years of Age ..................................................................... 56

VI. Monitoring Progress on Case Management and Treatment ............................................59

Known HIV Status................................................................................................. 61

Treatment Initiation .............................................................................................. 64

Recommended Initial Therapy................................................................................ 67

Sputum Culture Result Reported............................................................................ 71

Sputum Culture Conversion ................................................................................... 74

Completion of Therapy .......................................................................................... 79

VII. Monitoring Progress on Laboratory Reporting ...............................................................87

Laboratory Turnaround Time – Culture..................................................................... 88

Laboratory Turnaround Time – NAA......................................................................... 90

Drug-Susceptibility Results.................................................................................... 93

Universal Genotyping ............................................................................................ 95

VIII. Monitoring Progress on Contact Investigations..............................................................97

Contact Elicitation ................................................................................................ 99

Examination....................................................................................................... 101

Treatment Initiation ............................................................................................ 103

Treatment Completion ......................................................................................... 105
6

IX. Monitoring Progress on Examination of Immigrants and Refugees ................................109

Examination Initiation ......................................................................................... 113

Examination Completion...................................................................................... 115

Treatment Initiation ............................................................................................ 119

Treatment Completion ......................................................................................... 121

X. Evaluating Data Quality and Promptness....................................................................125

Impact of Inaccurate or Incomplete Surveillance Data on NTIP Indicators ................ 125

Using NTIP Graphs to Assess Surveillance Data Quality and Promptness.................. 126

Appendices

Appendix A: National TB Program Objectives and Performance Targets ................... 133

Appendix B: Glossary .......................................................................................... 137
7

Abbreviations

AFB: Acid-fast bacilli

ARPE: Aggregate Reports for Tuberculosis Program Evaluation (for contact investigations)

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COT: Completion of therapy

Chest X-ray: Chest radiograph

DOT: Directly observed therapy

DTBE: Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

DST: Drug susceptibility test

EDN: Electronic Disease Notification System

HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus

LTBI: Latent TB infection

M&E: Monitoring and evaluation 

MTBC: M. tuberculosis complex

NAA: Nucleic acid amplification

NTCA: National Tuberculosis Controllers Association

NTIP: National Tuberculosis Indicators Project

NTSS: National Tuberculosis Surveillance System

RVCT: Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis

TAT: Turnaround time

TB: Tuberculosis

TB GIMS: Tuberculosis Genotyping Information Management System
8
9

I. Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health threat and a major challenge in the United States. 

Operational research, monitoring, and evaluation are critical to help TB program managers find 

opportunities, understand barriers, and prioritize efforts for improving program effectiveness. 

In collaboration with local and state TB partners, the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) 

selected national TB program objectives and developed the National Tuberculosis Indicators 

Project (NTIP) to enhance capacity for monitoring and evaluating through standardized indicators 

and reports. NTIP, implemented in 2009, facilitates the use of nationally collected data to help 

program officials monitor progress.

The goal of NTIP is to help TB program officials and staff members —

■ Use data they have submitted for surveillance to report progress

■ Monitor achievements toward national objectives

■ Work with community partners and local program staff to inform decisions on program 

planning, evaluation, and resource allocation

National TB Indicators

The national TB program objectives reflect priorities for TB control in the United States. 

The five major programmatic activities (see Figure 1.1, Activities) are to —

■ Provide education and training to community providers

■ Find and treat active TB 

■ Investigate contacts 

■ Prevent TB in high risk populations

■ Monitor and evaluate interventions

Figure 1.1, Logic model for TB Elimination in the United States, illustrates the core functions 

and key strategies undertaken by TB programs to eliminate TB in the United States.
10Figure 1.1: Logic model for TB Elimination in the United States
11

The national objectives, which are key outputs from these activities, were recommended by the 

National TB Objectives Workgroup as essential measurements of activities related to effective TB 

control and prevention. A comprehensive list of the national objectives and performance targets 

is included in Appendix A. 

For each national objective, a standardized indicator was developed to set program goals and 

measure progress. Using data that are routinely reported to the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) through four different systems, NTIP monitors the indicators related to TB 

cases, contacts, and immigrants and refugees who arrived in the United States with TB Class 

B notification or are suspected of having TB disease. Objectives related to education, training, 

and program evaluation are not monitored in NTIP. Table 1.1 lists the national TB indicators (For 

more specific information about TB indicators and performance targets for 2020, see Appendix A.)

Historically, managers in TB programs have calculated their own performance indicators and 

reported progress to CDC. Variations in the calculations have hindered the ability to observe 

and compare performance between programs and to track progress nationwide. NTIP provides 

a standardized method for calculating indicators, assessing TB control efforts, and tracking 

progress within and across TB programs.

NTIP reports are based on de-identified surveillance data submitted to CDC; thus, they contain 

no personally identifiable information. The data sources include

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

■ TB Genotyping Information Management System (TB GIMS)

■ Aggregate Reports for Tuberculosis Program Evaluation (ARPE)

■ Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System 
12

Table 1. List of national TB indicators included in NTIP

TB Incidence

■ TB Incidence Rate (Overall) 

■ U.S.-Born Persons

■ Foreign-Born Persons

■ U.S.-Born Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans

■ Children Younger than 5 Years of Age

Case Management and Treatment

■ Known HIV Status

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Recommended Initial Therapy

■ Sputum Culture Result Reported

■ Sputum Culture Conversion

■ Completion of Therapy

Laboratory Reporting

■ Laboratory Turnaround Time – Culture

■ Laboratory Turnaround Time – NAA

■ Drug-Susceptibility Results

■ Universal Genotyping

Contact Investigations

■ Contact Elicitation

■ Examination

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Treatment Completion

Examination of Immigrants and Refugees

■ Examination Initiation 

■ Examination Completion

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Treatment Completion
13

Who can use NTIP? 

NTIP reports are provided to public health officials in TB programs. The reports are available for 

states and selected counties with high TB incidence. They are also available for specially defined 

geographic regions (e.g., publc health districts, health centers) at the requests of TB program 

officials. The personnel in TB programs do not have to do any additional work or collect any 

additional data to generate NTIP reports. Program personnel can only access reports for their own 

jurisdiction. Access to NTIP is authorized by state TB system administrators or local 

TB program officials.

Program managers can use NTIP reports to —

■ Monitor local progress toward achieving the national TB program objectives

■ Help conduct cohort reviews

■ Report progress under the terms of cooperative agreements

■ Set priorities for improvements and resource allocation

■ Validate data

■ Provide technical assistance to community partners and local programs

■ Provide outreach and training

CDC staff members use NTIP reports as a source of information when working with cooperative 

agreement recipients. This helps to select TB programs that might need additional technical 

assistance. Additionally, NTIP data are used to assess national progress toward achieving 

objectives and established performance targets.

The national performance targets are provided as guidance. Achieving the national performance 

targets will not be feasible in all settings. Managers in TB programs should work with their DTBE 

program consultants to set performance targets based on what is feasible for their setting.

Interpreting and Using NTIP Reports

Correct interpretation of NTIP reports is critical, and it requires understanding the context under 

which a specific TB program is operating. TB program managers and partners can use NTIP 

reports to facilitate discussions and generate questions, to solicit inputs, and to encourage 

problem-solving among staff members. While NTIP provides quantitative progress reports on the 

recommended objectives, program staff members who are intimately involved in the day-to-day 

operation of the program have the most specific information for providing insight and helping to 

interpret the reports in NTIP.

Indicator data for states or program areas with low TB incidence should be interpreted with 

caution since estimates for these program areas are sparse.
14

While NTIP Workgroup strives to achieve high level of precision in the formulation of indicators, 

the accuracy of indicators are limited by surveillance data systems from which indicator data 

are derived. The quality of surveillance data and data definition affect the accuracy of indicator 

reported in NTIP. Limited data collected in the national surveillance system may prevent 

indicators from further analysis. In some indicators, exclusion criteria could not be incorporated 

in the calculation because of lack of data. 

NTIP reports should be used as a monitoring tool. TB program managers and staff are 

encouraged to conduct additional analysis when possible to provide insights for interpreting 

NTIP reports. 

Organization of This User Guide 

This user guide provides an overview of the NTIP system and the indicators. The purpose of this 

guide is to help the user in the interpretation of NTIP reports. None of the contents are intended 

to be specific guidance for tuberculosis medical practice, public health practice, program 

evaluation, or program management. However, NTIP is designed to be useful for workers in each 

of these areas. General knowledge in these areas is helpful for understanding NTIP and making 

optimal use of its reports, and this guide refers the user to national guidelines or policies that 

form the basis for the indicators and the interpretation of the reports in NTIP.

Chapters II, III, and IV outline step-by-step instructions on how to navigate and use the functions 

of the system. This includes how to generate NTIP reports and export line-listed data.

Chapters V to IX of this guide introduce indicators and reports related to TB incidence rates, 

and each of the key programmatic activities including case management and treatment, 

laboratory reporting, contact investigation, and the examination of immigrants and refugees. 

Detailed exploration of, and rationale for, the indicators and the public health significance of 

the objectives are discussed. Data sources and detailed calculations for each indicator are 

also provided. 

Logic models describing key activities, outputs, and the intended outcomes of TB control and 

prevention activities are included in some sections. Indicators that are measured in NTIP are 

highlighted in the logic models. These logic models can be used to select relationships between 

various program activities for further study.

Finally, Chapter X highlights how surveillance data quality (i.e., accuracy, completeness and 

promptness) could impact NTIP indicator reports. This chapter helps users understand how to 

use NTIP to assess surveillance data quality and identify data issues. 

Resources

CDC. National TB Program Objectives and Performance Targets 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Evaluation/Indicators/default.htm

CDC. TB Program Evaluation Handbook 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Evaluation/TBEvaluationHandbook_tagged.pdf
15

II. NTIP System Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the NTIP system and discusses the NTIP user access policy, 

the login process, and how to find resources and references available in NTIP.

NTIP System

NTIP reports are available for use by federal, state, and local public health partners to monitor 

the effectiveness of TB prevention and control activities. Only authorized users have access to 

data that were reported by their respective public health jurisdictions. Figure 2.1 illustrates the 

flow of data from state TB programs to national data reporting systems and finally to NTIP.

Figure 2.1: NTIP Data Flow

National 

Tuberculosis 

Surveillance 

System 

Aggregate 

Reports for 

Tuberculosis 

Program 

Evaluation 

(Contact Investigations) 

Electronic 

Disease 

Notification 

System 

TB Genotyping 

Information 

Management 

System 

National 

Tuberculosis 

Indicators Project 

State TB 

Programs 

Two types of data are shared in NTIP:

1. Indicator data 

Indicator data are calculated statistics presented in a report. The statistics are stratified 

by relevant characteristics and displayed in tables, charts, and graphs used to track 

performance trends. 

2. Line-listed data

Line-listed data provide key data elements from the surveillance system that are used to 

calculate indicators. The line-listed data are only shared with authorized users from the 

respective reporting jurisdiction where data was reported. State, city, and county case 

numbers reported in the Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) are provided in the 

line list to facilitate communication and help staff members in the reporting jurisdiction 

assess data issues and programmatic concerns. Personally identifiable information is not 

shared via the NTIP line list. The line-listed data are exportable in an Excel spreadsheet. 
16

Data Security and Confidentiality

NTIP does not store or share any personally identifiable information on TB patients or individuals 

suspected of having TB disease or infection. No information is stored related to date of birth, date 

of TB diagnosis, date of test results, or date of treatment. 

Specific jurisdiction information, such as city, county, health districts, name of the public 

health center, strategic planning areas, and regions, may indirectly lead to the identification 

of individuals, particularly in geographic regions where TB is rare. This type of jurisdiction 

information is used in NTIP to provide local level reports.

To ensure confidentiality, CDC does not provide NTIP reports for jurisdictions reporting less than 

or equal to an average of 15 cases per year (based on counted cases from 2006 through 2008) 

without a formal request from TB program officials from the respective program. TB program 

officials can request reports for specific jurisdictions by sending an email to DTBESupport@cdc.gov.

User Access

NTIP reports and line-listed data are not available to, or accessible by, the public. Only 

authorized users from reporting jurisdictions have access to the data. Each state TB control 

official has designated a TB data system administrator(s) who is authorized to approve users in 

their jurisdiction for access to NTIP reports. Within a jurisdiction, various levels of access are 

available. A user can be granted access to reports for a specific geographic region, a public health 

jurisdiction, or a program area (see definition of program area on page 26). An administrator may 

also grant access to specific reports relevant to the roles and responsibilities of individual staff 

members. For example, an administrator may grant access to the Reports on the Examination 

of Immigrants and Refugees to staff members from Refugee Health without granting access to 

reports for other indicators. Likewise, an administrator may choose to limit line-list data access 

to the specific staff members responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of data 

submitted to CDC. Users may be authorized access to the line list data for indicators calculated 

using data from the National TB Surveillance System (NTSS), or Electronic Disease Notification 

(EDN) system, or both.

Data Security on NTIP Server

Procedures developed by the CDC Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (OCISO) for 

authorizing, credentialing, and authenticating users ensure electronic data security. CDC’s Secure 

Access Management Services (SAMS) registers and authenticates all NTIP users. Information 

technology security procedures, as stipulated by OCISO, are in place to ensure that only 

authorized users will have access to surveillance data that were reported by their respective public 

health jurisdictions.

CDC is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality and security of the national surveillance 

information through the National TB Surveillance System (NTSS). NTIP is an extension of NTSS 

and is protected in the following ways:

■ Only authorized users who have accounts authenticated via CDC’s Secure Access 

Management Services (SAMS) and who are compliant with regulations of OCISO will be 

able to gain access to the system.
17

■ NTIP data are housed on CDC servers protected by application firewalls to prevent 

unauthorized access.

■ TB control officials can customize user access to the data and information pertinent 

to individual staff members. 

■ TB data system administrators are given authority to grant access to staff members 

working in their jurisdictions. 

■ All potential users must be nominated by local TB data systems administrators and 

verified by CDC administrators.

■ No personally identifiable information is stored in NTIP.

Data Sharing Between States

Users will be granted access to data their programs have submitted for their jurisdictions only. 

Users will not be granted access to data or reports outside of their jurisdiction. 

Collaborations Between States 

CDC encourages staff members in various TB programs within a state, and among different 

states, to collaborate and share lessons learned. A specific NTIP report type that enables users 

to present their data along with other programs’ data for use during regional meetings has been 

developed. Program officials who wish to participate in this should contact the DTBE Helpdesk, 

DTBESupport@cdc.gov, for assistance.

Access for Partners in TB Control 

For public health purposes, TB data systems administrators may authorize staff members from 

other health agencies (i.e., Refugee Health and State Public Health Laboratories) within their 

jurisdiction to access data for their jurisdiction. Administrators may choose to limit access for the 

staff members in these agencies to the reports and data pertinent to their work.

Use of NTIP Data 

Local and state TB program staff members are encouraged to share data reported in NTIP with 

other agencies and partner organizations. The reports and tabulations in NTIP are transferrable 

and can be copied to documents, reports, and presentation slides for sharing with community 

partners to inform programs serving the community. To ensure that the most current data are 

made available through NTIP, data submitted to CDC are imported weekly and used to calculate 

and generate NTIP reports. Data managers from reporting jurisdictions should, therefore, verify 

that all data reported to CDC are current and accurate.
18

Login Window 

NTIP system login is managed through the Secure Access Management Services (SAMS). Users 

must obtain a SAMS account prior to logging into NTIP. The NTIP Helpdesk will help users 

establish a SAMS account once the request and authorization for NTIP has been received from 

the designated TB systems administrator for the respective TB programs. 

Users can attempt to login to the system 3 times. If login is unsuccessful after 3 attempts, users 

will have to wait 1 hour before attempting to log into the system again. The password can be 

reset by clicking the “Forgot SAMS password?” link.

Below, is a screenshot of the SAMS homepage. 

A URL: Type https://sams.cdc.gov to access the NTIP system through CDC’s Secure Access 

Management Services (SAMS) portal and bookmark this page for future access. 

A

B C D
19

B SAMS Credentials: This field provides the Login Options to enter a Username and Password. 

The Username is the user’s email address. This password is case sensitive. It must have eight 

or more characters, must not contain Username, must not have been used for SAMS during the 

previous 12 months, and must contain at least one each of the following: 

■ Letters (uppercase or lowercase) 

■ Numbers 

■ Special characters or symbols (such as # , @, or %) 

C SAMS Grid Card Credentials: shows the login option to use the Grid Card Credentials.

D HHS PIV Card: shows the login option for the HHS PIV Card. CDC users can login to the 

system using their government-issued identification card. 
20

SAMS Menu 

Once logged into the Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) account, a user can access all 

TB systems for which he or she has been authorized through the SAMS Menu.

The screenshot below is an example of the SAMS Menu for a user who has been authorized 

access for NTIP and NTSS.
21

NTIP Terms of Use

A Terms of Use: Users must accept the Terms of Use in order to access the NTIP application.

A
22

NTIP Menu and Announcement

A NTIP Menu: This main menu provides user access to key NTIP functions: Reports, Line List, 

ARPE, and the Help/Resources section. Links to the Line List and ARPE are displayed on this 

menu only for users who have been granted access by their State TB Systems Administrator. 

B Announcements: This field is used to communicate general information to NTIP users. 

Information specific to an individual TB program may also appear in this field.

A

B
23

Contact Us and Accessibility Assistance

Users can contact the NTIP Helpdesk for assistance by filling out an online form. Users can 

describe problems, provide comments, and attach a screen shot or a document to the form.

Users who need special assistance in accessing NTIP can contact CDC for help via this 

contact page.
24

Help/Resources

The Help/Resources section contains reference documents on NTIP and can be accessed from 

the main menu: 

Users can learn about various functions and features of NTIP and how to navigate the system.

Reference documents such as NTIP Workgroup meeting minutes, decision memos on changes to 

NTIP indicators, and calculations are archived in this section. This section is updated three to 

fours times a year. 
25

III. Generating NTIP Reports

This chapter discusses the reporting function of NTIP. Users will learn how to generate and 

review various types of reports available in NTIP. 

Reports 

NTIP provides standardized methods for calculating indicators and tracking program progress 

toward national TB program objectives. Reports are available for all TB programs funded by CDC 

TB cooperative agreement as well as local jurisdictions as requested by the TB program officials 

providing oversight. Below is a screenshot of the Report Settings page. 

A

B

C

D

E
26

A Report Settings: This main control panel allows users to generate NTIP reports.

B Data Source: Both current and frozen surveillance datasets are available for generating NTIP 

reports. As data are transmitted to CDC, they are updated in NTIP weekly under “Current Data.” 

Frozen datasets are snapshots of the NTSS database. It includes manual corrections to the data 

that could not be transmitted to CDC, and is created annually and made available on NTIP as 

soon as it is finalized, usually by early summer of the following year. Both current and frozen 

datasets include data from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS), Aggregate 

Reports for Tuberculosis Program Evaluation (ARPE) for Contact Investigations, and the 

Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System. 

C Program Area: A Program Area in the NTIP system is a geographic region for which an NTIP 

report is available. A Program Area can be a state or a city that is funded by the CDC cooperative 

agreement or a local jurisdiction. Users can also select ‘United States’ as a Program Area to 

generate a national summary report. 

D Indicator: An indicator report is available for each national objective. The reports for Contact 

Investigation and Examination of Immigrants and Refugees contain a set of four indicators, 

and the report for Laboratory Turnaround Time contains a set of two indicators. A summary of 

indicators can be found in reports titled ‘Performance Snapshot’ or ‘Indicator Summary.’ 

E Case Year or Quarter: NTIP contains data from 2000 to present. The Date Counted is used to 

determine the cohort year for each case. Users can choose to see an annual or quarterly trend 

[Q1 (January–March), Q2 (April–June), Q3 (July–September), Q4 (October–December)]. With 

the exception of the reports for TB Incidence Rates and Contact Investigation, all reports are 

available in both yearly and quarterly trend. The trend is either 5 years or 5 quarters, ending 

with the selected year or quarter. Quarterly trends are available only for reports generated from 

‘Current Data.’ 
27

F

F Report List: Once the first NTIP report is generated for view, users can modify reporting 

functions using this secondary control panel. Users can add additional reports to the list of 

reports or modify the parameters of reports. Users can print all the reports at once through 

this function.
28

To generate a report,

1. Select “Reports” from the NTIP Menu. 

2. In the Data Source, Current Data field, select “(change)” data source. 

Select a Data Source.

3. Select a Program Area.

4. Select an Indicator to “view” or multiple indicators for “print.”

Note: 

■ Multi-report selection is only available for printing.

■ Funding Formula Variable Snapshot report is available for CDC TB cooperative agreement 

reporting jurisdictions only. Select “Frozen dataset” as the data source to view or print 

the report. 
29

5. Select a Case Year or Quarter.

6. Select “Print” or “View” report (s). 
30

Indicator Reports

Indicator reports track a program’s performance over time for each objective and indicator. 

The report includes a trend graph, methods, data sources, and stratifications. An example of 

page 1 for the Completion of Therapy indicator report is pictured below:

A Data updated: Date when the last data transmission was received at CDC from a reporting 

jurisdiction.

B National objective: The specific objective for which results are shown in the indicator report.

C Trend graph: The main graph in NTIP that tracks indicator trends. The graph includes a 5-year 

or 5-quarter trend on the national objective, along with national and state data for comparison.

A

B

C

D

E
31

D Data table: The table provides the raw data (total eligible patients in the cohort period) used 

to calculate the indicator. 

E Methods: The method section provides a description of the indicator, the sources from which 

data are derived, the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the cohort of cases, and the calculation 

for the indicator.

F Analytic graphs: The graphs provide additional analyses for the indicator. An example of page 

2 of the report is pictured below, showing the analytic graphs. 

F
32

Trend Graph

A Color bar graph: The bar color indicates the completeness of data for the corresponding 

indicator. The color of the bar changes from purple to blue when the data reaches 90% 

completeness (for a detailed explanation, see Using NTIP Graphs to Assess Surveillance 

Data Quality and Promptness on page 126.) For the Completion of Therapy indicator, the 

completeness of the variable “Date Therapy Stopped” is used to determine data completeness. 

For the Known HIV Status Indicator report, the color of the trend graph changes when the 

completeness of the “HIV Status” variable reaches 90%. For the Drug Susceptibility Testing 

Indicator report, the completeness of the “Initial Drug Susceptibility Results” is used to 

determine when the bar graph turns from purple to blue. The percent completeness of these key 

variables used in NTIP can be found in the data completeness report titled “Data Reporting: 

RVCT.” 

B Cohort period: The cohort period spans 5 intervals. The interval can be year (for example, 

2009 through 2013) or quarter (for example, 2010-Q4, 2011-Q1, 2011-Q2, 2011-Q3, 2011-Q4). 

C Program target: Program targets are established by managers at TB programs on the basis of 

program context, epidemiology, feasibility, and available resources. 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H
33

D State average: State average is only shown in the reports for local jurisdictions under a state 

TB program such as county or city health departments, regions, and health centers. For local 

jurisdictions reporting to a county or city TB program, the state average reflects the indicator for 

the county or city TB program. 

E National average: The national average reflects the overall trend in the indicator for the 

United States. 

F National target: The national targets are overarching targets for the United States. These 

targets were established based on the performance of the top 90th percentile state TB program 

that reported more than 150 cases from 2011–2013. The targets are based on a statistical 

model representing the 90th percentile values in the latest year estimated from a quantile 

regression on 2000–2013 data.

G Denominator (N): The number of cases in the cohort that meet the eligibility criteria for 

the objective.

H Numerator (n): The number of cases meeting the criteria for the objective. 
34

Data Completeness Report 

The Data Completeness Report provides the percentage of data completeness for key variables 

used in NTIP indicator calculations. A separate report is provided for RVCT, ARPE, and EDN. The 

RVCT Data Reporting provides the percentage of data completeness for key RVCT variables. This 

report is available by year or quarter. 

A Variable: Selected key variables used in indicator calculations are presented.

B RVCT fields (old/current): The corresponding RVCT field numbers are indicated on this list. 

The first number reflects those on the RVCT form prior to the 2009 revision. The second number 

refers to the field numbers on the current RVCT form. 

A B C
35

C Completeness of variables: Percent completeness of variables reported in the RVCT. The 

completeness of variables such as “HIV Status,” “Initial Drug Susceptibility Result,” and “Date 

Therapy Stopped” are used as markers for the completeness of data for each indicator report. 

More detailed explanation of this reference can be found on page 32, under Color Bar Graph.
36

Performance Snapshot & Indicator Summary

The Performance Snapshot and Indicator Summary reports provide a summary for all NTIP 

indicators. The Performance Snapshot report includes data for a selected year. The report 

presents both national and program targets for 2015 and the targets for the cohort period for 

which the report is generated (cohort year 2010 in the Performance Snapshot example below).

A Results: Performance results for each indicator. 

B N: The denominator for the respective indicator.

C n: The numerator for the respective indicator.

A B C
37

In contrast to the Performance Snapshot, the Indicator Summary report (example below) 

includes an indicator for each year in a 5-year period without providing detailed denominator and 

numerator data.
38
39

IV. Exporting NTIP Line-Listed Data

This chapter outlines the steps for exporting line-listed data and the various data elements in a 

line list spreadsheet. For clarity, the line list spreadsheets are color-coded in this user guide. The 

actual line list spreadsheets exported from NTIP do not display any color.

The line list function provides a listing of cases, the RVCT fields and values from which data are 

derived, and their status with respect to NTIP indicators. The list allows users to see which cases 

are represented in the aggregated indicator reports. This helps users pinpoint specific cases that 

affected an indicator. The list can also be used to pinpoint the reason for data discrepancies 

between local program data and data received by CDC and can aid in the examination of a cohort 

of cases. 

Line-listed data are also available for the Examination of Immigrants and Refugees indicators, 

which are calculated using data from the EDN System.

Line-listed data are shared with authorized users from the reporting jurisdiction where data were 

reported. Access to line-listed data is granted by the designated state TB systems administrator 

for the respective user in the TB program. Once approved, requests can be submitted to the NTIP 

Helpdesk for processing. Users may be granted access to NTSS-based or EDN-based line-listed 

data, or both. 
40

Export Line List Menu

A Data Source: Current and frozen dataset are available for generating reports. 

B Data System: National TB Surveillance System and Electronic Disease Notification Systems 

are two key data sources for NTIP indicators.

C Program Area: The Program Area corresponds to the Program Area in the Generate Report 

section. 

D Quarters: Line lists are available by quarters for year 2006 and forward. To export a line list 

for a whole year, select 4 quarters (e.g., 2008-Q1, 2008-Q2, 2008-Q3 and 2008-Q4). 

E Indicators: Selection for the indicators corresponds to the Indicator Reports section. Users 

can export a line list to coincide with the indicator report of interest or export a line list that 

includes multiple indicators. 

NOTE: To examine a cohort of cases for their status on each indicator, select and “Add” all 

indicators of interest. 

A

B

C

D

E
41

To export a Line List,

1. Select “Line List” from the NTIP Menu.   

2. On the Export Line List Menu (shown on page 40), in the Data Source drop-down menu, 

select a dataset (e.g., Current Data or Frozen 2014 Dataset).

3. In the Data System option, select the system from which the indicator(s) of interest is 

calculated. 

4. In the Program Area field, select the Program Area of interest. Click “Add.”

5. Select and “Add” the quarter(s) of interest under Quarters. To export a line list for a 

complete year, select all 4 quarters for that year.

6. Select and “Add” the Indicator(s) of interest.

7. Click “Run.”
42

Line List Spreadsheet

A Case information details: Basic variables for matching case records to local TB registry. 

B Case Local ID and Latest Update Date: A unique identifier for each case with data submitted 

to CDC and the most recent date that data were received at CDC. 

C Data for selected variables used in NTIP calculation: Data used to determine whether a case 

meets the cohort eligibility criteria and the objective for the selected indicator(s) of interest. 

For example, in the ‘Reason Therapy Stopped’ column, users would see one of the eight RVCT 

responses for this variable such as completed therapy, lost, uncooperative or refused, adverse 

treatment event, not TB, died, other, or unknown. Users would be able to determine whether the 

data in this variable is the reason case was included or excluded from the completion of therapy 

indicator.

D Status toward meeting objective(s): Data denote whether a case is included or excluded in 

the analytic cohort, and if it is included, whether it is classified as having met the objective. For 

example, a patient who was dead at diagnosis will be denoted in the “Completion of treatment 

cohort” with an “N” for not being included in the analytical cohort for the Completion of Therapy 

indicator. Since this case is not included in the analytical cohort for this indicator, the data field 

for this case under the “Completion of treatment objective met” will be left blank.

E Variable description: Description of each variable. 

A B C D

E

F G
43

F RVCT field number(s): The RVCT field number associated with each variable or from which the 

variable was derived. If the variable is created from other variables, this is indicated by the word 

“created.”

G Variable name: Variable name used by DTBE.

Case Information Details

A Other Report Region: Program area(s) in which a single case may be recognized. These 

regions may include county, city, or jurisdiction(s) for which NTIP reports are available. An 

abbreviated two- or three-letter code is used to indicate the regions. (Please contact the 

Helpdesk for assistance if needed.)

B State: State where the case was reported.

C Year (or Cohort Period): Date used to determine the cohort period for the case. Line lists are 

available by quarter (e.g., 2009-Q1, 2009-Q2, 2009-Q3, and 2009-Q4). To export a line list for 

a complete year, select all 4 quarters for that year. 

D Month-year Reported: The month and year when the case was reported. This variable can help 

with organization and review of cases. 

E State Case Number: State-specific case numbers provided to help users match records to 

those in the local TB registry.

F City/County Case Number: City/County case number is a unique number that is provided and 

used by local TB programs to match to the local TB registry. 

A B C D E F
44

Case Local ID and Latest Update Date

A Case Local ID: A unique computer generated code for each case with data submitted to CDC. 

This identifier can be used to find duplicate records in NTSS. 

BLatest Update Date: The date when data was last received at CDC for the respective record.

A B
45

Example of how to use the Exported Line List to determine patients 

for whom a particular objective was not met 

Background

The Export Line List option in NTIP will produce a list of cases for the Program Area and the 

time period of interest. The line list can be examined to see which cases contributed to meeting 

a specific objective and which cases did not. Below are instructions for how to conduct this 

examination. We will use the Completion of Therapy objective in this example. 

1. Within NTIP, follow the steps in Chapter IV, Exporting NTIP Line-Listed Data, to select the 

Program Area, the cohort period of interest, and the indicator for Completion of Therapy, and 

export the line list.

2. Click “Run.”

3. This downloads and exports your selected line list to a spreadsheet that you can open or save 

to your computer. In this example, we will open the line list in Excel.

4. Once you open the exported line list, you can use Excel functions to examine the 

information. We will show how to find cases for which treatment was incomplete according 

to the definition for this objective.

5. Click the column header for “Completion of treatment cohort” and the column header for 

“Completion of treatment objective met.” After both columns are highlighted, click “Sort & 

Filter” from the Excel menu, and select “Filter.” 

6. Click on the downward arrow at the bottom of the column header for “Completion of 

treatment cohort.”

7. In the bottom of the sort & filter box, uncheck the selection for “N” (this instructs Excel to 

not show cases that did not meet the cohort eligibility criteria). Click “OK.”

8. Click the downward arrow at the bottom of the column header for “Completion of treatment 

objective met.”

9. Uncheck the selection for “Y” (this instructs Excel to show cases that did not meet the 

objective for Completion of Therapy). Click “OK.”

10. You should now have a list of cases that met the eligibility criteria to be counted under the 

Completion of Therapy objective but did not meet the objective.
46

Exported Line List

A Sort & Filter: Excel’s “Sort & Filter” function allows users to filter for cases that fit specific 

criteria; for example, you can sort those that meet the cohort eligibility criteria for an indicator. 

After you select a filter, the spreadsheet shows only those cases that meet the selected filter 

criteria. 

B Analytic cohort for a specific indicator: An analytic cohort consists of those cases that 

meet the eligibility criteria for the objective. “Y”= Yes, the case met the cohort definition and 

is eligible to meet the objective (for example, patients who according to standard treatment 

guidelines should be able to complete treatment within 12 months). “N” = No, the case did not 

meet the cohort definition and is not included in the calculation of the objective.

C Indicator objective met: This variable indicates whether the case met the objective. “Y”= Yes, 

the case met the objective; “N”= No, the case did not meet the objective (for example, whether 

or not a patient completed treatment within 12 months). Fields left “blank” indicate the variable 

does not apply to the case.

D Selected variables (highlighted in purple): Data on key variables that are used to determine 

whether a case met the cohort eligibility criteria and the objective.

Note: Another example on using the Line List is provided on page 132.

A

B C

D
47

V. Monitoring Progress on Reducing TB Incidence

This chapter covers indicators that are related to TB incidence rates. 

Indicators for TB Elimination - Incidence Rates

■ TB Incidence Rate (Overall)

■ U.S.-Born Persons

■ Foreign-Born Persons

■ U.S.-Born Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans

■ Children Younger than 5 Years of Age

Data on TB cases are collected in the RVCT form and reported to CDC through the National TB 

Surveillance System (NTSS). All TB cases included in this set of indicators have been counted 

by reporting jurisdictions and meet the CDC TB surveillance definition and case verification 

criteria. (For tuberculosis case definition and recommendations for reporting and counting 

tuberculosis cases, please refer to Appendices A and B in the CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance 

Data Training, Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT): Instruction Manual, June 2009. 

Updates on surveillance definitions can also be found in the most recent publication of Reported 

Tuberculosis in the United States.

The United States Census Bureau’s Population Estimates are used to calculate overall TB 

incidence rates. American Community Survey population data are used to calculate rates for the 

sub-populations. Incidence rate reports are available in the yearly trend for states and selected 

cities receiving direct CDC funding only.

This set of indicators contributes to TB elimination by measuring incidence rates in groups for 

whom TB incidence is high. While not all four incidence rates are relevant to all settings in the 

United States, these four incidence rates represent major disparities between various population 

groups nationally. For some TB programs, incidence rates for different sub-populations may be 

more important to monitor. 

Resources

Treatment of Tuberculosis, MMWR 2003; 52 (No. RR-11) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5211.pdf

CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance Data Training, Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT): 

Instruction Manual, June 2009. Appendices A and B. 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/rvct/InstructionManual.pdf

CDC. Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2013. Appendices A and B. 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/reports/2013/default.htm

American Community Survey

http://www.census.gov/acs/www
48

TB Incidence Rate (Overall)

National Objective: Reduce the incidence of TB disease

Indicator

Number of TB cases per 100,000 per year

CALCULATION

Cases Per 100,000 n/N

Numerator (n) Number of verified counted TB cases

Denominator (N) Population in the Program Area and year of interest
49

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) 

■ U.S. Census Bureau

• Population Estimates

or

• American Community Survey (ACS)

Note: Both Census’s Population Estimates and ACS provide similar estimates for the 

overall population. 

The TB incidence rate measures the burden of TB disease in a designated population. It provides 

a way for public health officials to assess the long-term outcome of TB prevention and control 

efforts and disease transmission. The TB incidence rate has steadily decreased in the United 

States since 1993. A substantial increase in TB incidence rate would therefore merit close 

investigation to determine the cause and to implement interventions. Conversely, a larger than 

expected decrease warrants investigation to determine whether it represents a true decrease or a 

gap in case detection, surveillance, or notification.

Calculating the annual incidence rate enables program officials to track progress against previous 

years. Case stratifications may help identify communities or jurisdictions that require additional 

attention. These data also help support policy decisions and requests for funding. 
50

U.S.-Born Persons

National Objective: Decrease the incidence of TB disease among U.S.-born persons

Indicator

Number of TB cases in U.S.-born persons per 100,000 per year

CALCULATION

Cases Per 100,000 n/N

Numerator (n) Number of verified TB cases in U.S.-born persons

Denominator (N) Population of U.S.-born persons in the Program Area and year 

of interest

(Quarterly report NOT available)
51

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) field:

– 12 (Country of Birth)

– 12 (Country of birth: Specify) 

■ U.S. Census Bureau

• American Community Survey 

Note: Patients born in the U.S. territories and affiliated islands are reported as U.S-born.
52

Foreign-Born Persons

National Objective: Decrease the incidence of TB disease among for foreign-born persons

Indicator

Number of TB cases in foreign-born persons per 100,000 per year

CALCULATION

Cases Per 100,000 n/N

Numerator (n) Number of verified counted TB cases in foreign-born persons

Denominator (N) Population of foreign-born persons in the Program Area and year 

of interest

(Quarterly report NOT available)
53

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) field: 

– 12 (Country of Birth) 

– 12 (Country of birth: Specify)

■ U.S. Census Bureau

• American Community Survey
54

U.S.-Born Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans

National Objective: Decrease the incidence of TB disease among U.S.-born non-Hispanic blacks 

or African Americans

Indicator

Number of TB cases in U.S.-born non-Hispanic blacks or African Americans per 100,000 per year

CALCULATION

Cases Per 100,000 n/N

Numerator (n) Number of verified counted TB cases in U.S.-born non-Hispanic blacks 

or African Americans

Denominator (N) Population of U.S.-born non-Hispanic blacks or African Americans in 

the Program Area and year of interest

(Quarterly report NOT available)
55

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 10 (Ethnicity)

– 11 (Race)

– 12 (Country of Birth)

– 12 (Country of birth: Specify)

■ U.S. Census Bureau

• American Community Survey 
56

Children Younger than 5 Years of Age

National Objective: Decrease the incidence of TB disease among children younger than 5 years 

of age

Indicator

Number of TB cases in children younger than 5 years of age per 100,000 per year 

CALCULATION

Cases Per 100,000 n/N

Numerator (n) Number of verified counted TB cases in children younger than 5 years 

of age

Denominator (N) Population of children younger than 5 years of age in the Program Area 

and year of interest

(Quarterly report NOT available)
57

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 1 (Date Reported) 

– 8 (Date of Birth) 

■ U.S. Census Bureau

• American Community Survey

This indicator measures the incidence of TB disease in young children.

It has additional epidemiological implications because TB disease in young children 

reflects transmission of M. tuberculosis within the narrow interval of their lives (i.e., “recent 

transmission”), and it might represent missed public health opportunities to prevent cases. 
58
59

VI. Monitoring Progress on Case Management and Treatment

This chapter covers indicators that are related to the case management and treatment of patients 

diagnosed with TB disease.

Indicators for Case Management and Treatment

■ Known HIV Status

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Recommended Initial Therapy

■ Sputum Culture Result Reported

■ Sputum Culture Conversion

■ Completion of Therapy

Data on TB cases are collected on the Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) and 

reported to CDC through the National TB Surveillance System (NTSS). 

All TB cases included for this set of indicators have been counted by reporting jurisdictions and 

meet the CDC TB surveillance definition and case verification criteria. (For tuberculosis case 

definition and recommendations for reporting and counting tuberculosis cases, please refer to 

Appendices A and B in the CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance Data Training, Report of Verified Case 

of Tuberculosis (RVCT): Instruction Manual, June 2009. Updates on surveillance definitions can 

also be found in the most recent publication of Reported Tuberculosis in the United States.) 

This set of indicators contributes to program evaluation by tracking key outputs of TB case 

management and treatment processes. The public health concept is that TB transmission 

and eventually incidence can be reduced through prompt initiation of treatment coupled with 

monitoring to ensure treatment effectiveness and adherence. Figure 3.1 is a logic model 

that outlines the activities, outputs, and the desired outcomes of TB prevention through case 

management and treatment of active TB cases.

Resources

Treatment of Tuberculosis, MMWR 2003; 52 (No. RR-11) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5211.pdf

CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance Data Training, Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT): 

Instruction Manual, June 2009 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/rvct/InstructionManual.pdf

Red Book, 2015

http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/content/current
60Figure 3.1: Logic Model for Tuberculosis Prevention through Case Management and Treatment of Tuberculosis Disease
61

Known HIV Status 

National Objective: Increase the proportion of TB patients who have a positive or negative HIV 

test result reported

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with HIV test result reported as positive or negative

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients with HIV test result reported as positive 

or negative

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients alive at diagnosis, counted in the cohort 

period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
62

Data Source

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) field:

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 26 (HIV Status at Time of Diagnosis)

This indicator measures how many cases reported in the RVCT include an HIV test result, which 

reflects the extent to which the the guidance for testing all TB patients for HIV infection and 

reporting is being followed.

U.S. guidelines stipulate that all TB patients should be tested for HIV and have the results 

reported with other TB surveillance findings. TB patients who have HIV infection require special 

considerations for medical care. This indicator shows whether HIV testing is being offered and 

the results are being reported.

The trend graph on this indicator provides an estimated proportion of TB-HIV co-infection in the 

Program Area of interest, as well as the percentage of TB patients with known HIV test results at 

the time of TB diagnosis. The data quality of this indicator is assessed using the completeness of 

“HIV Status” variable. The bar graph changes from purple to blue when the completeness of this 

variable reaches 90%. 

‘HIV Test Results and Reasons HIV Status Not Determined for TB Patients’ is a list of 

standardized reasons why HIV results are not known. 

(Quarterly report available)
63

HIV tests may not be offered for many reasons. The graph below, ‘HIV Test Results and Reasons 

HIV Status Not Determined for TB Patients, by Age Group,’ allows program staff members to look 

at the test results and the reasons for not having results, stratified by age. 

(Quarterly report 

available)
64

Treatment Initiation

National objective: For TB patients with positive acid-fast bacillus (AFB) sputum-smear results, 

increase the proportion who initiated treatment within 7 days of specimen collection

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with positive AFB sputum-smear result who initiated treatment within 7 

days of specimen collection

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who initiated treatment within 7 days of 

specimen collection

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with positive AFB sputum-smear results, alive 

at diagnosis, counted in the cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
65

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 17 (Sputum Smear-Date Collected)

– 36 (Date Therapy Started)

– 37 (Initial Drug Regimen)

This indicator measures the promptness of initiating treatment for the patients who are more 

likely to be infectious — those who have AFB found on sputum-smear microscopy. 

This indicator was recommended by the working group because prompt TB diagnosis and 

treatment for patients who have AFB found on sputum-smear microscopy are both feasible and 

urgent, in keeping with national guidelines for medical care, program operations, and infection 

control. This indicator gives a summary overview of several interrelated activies which routinely 

could be assessed through reviews of cases and the cohort, and it is not a substitute for those 

types of review.

‘Treatment Initiation within 7 Days of Specimen Collection for TB Patients with Positive AFB 

Sputum-smear Results, by Provider Type’ allows program staff to observe differences, depending 

on provider type (i.e., health department or private provider), in meeting the objective. 
66

(Quarterly report available)
67

Recommended Initial Therapy

National objective: For patients whose diagnosis is likely to be TB disease, increase the 

proportion who are started on the recommended initial 4-drug regimen

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with initial drug regimen reported who are started on the recommended 

initial 4-drug regimen

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who are started on the recommended initial 

4-drug regimen

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with initial drug regimen reported, alive at 

diagnosis, counted in the cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
68

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 37 (Initial Drug Regimen)

This indicator measures the proportion of TB patients started on treatment with the four-drug 

regimen including isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PZA), and ethambutol (EMB).

Because of isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis, guidance in the United States calls for a four-drug 

regimen including INH, RIF, PZA, and EMB for the initial phase of TB treatment for patients 

whose drug susceptibility results are unknown at the time treatment is started. 

The variable ‘initial drug regimen’ used in the indicator calculation consists of all drugs 

prescribed or taken in the first 2 weeks of treatment. 

Rifabutin is accepted as an alternative drug to rifampin for the recommended initial drug 

regimen for all TB patients. Another drug, rifapentine is acceptable for use among HIV coinfected patients in the continuation phase of the treatment, but it is not recommended for use 

during initial therapy. Please refer to Treatment of Tuberculosis guidelines for details. 

TB programs are encouraged to monitor this indicator by provider type to determine which 

providers may not be adhering to the treatment recommendations.
69

(Quarterly report available)

In some instances, PZA may be withheld for patients with special conditions such as liver 

disease, gout, or pregnancy. However, these cases cannot be recognized specifically in the 

national surveillance system because of the lack of data collected on these conditions in the 

RVCT form, and therefore they cannot be excluded from the cohort. Officials in TB programs 

should monitor this indicator, review the use of regimens for special conditions, and follow-up 

with providers.

In pediatric TB patients, physicians may choose to withhold the use of EMB when the visual 

acuity of the patients cannot be monitored because EMB can cause optic neuritis. The graph 

below stratifies this indicator by age group to help programs monitor treatment in children 

younger than 5 years of age.
70

(Quarterly report available)
71

Sputum Culture Result Reported

National Objective: For TB patients ages 12 years or older with a pleural or respiratory site of 

disease, increase the proportion who have a sputum culture result reported

Indicator

Percent of TB patients ages 12 years or older with a pleural or respiratory site of disease who 

have sputum culture result reported

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients with sputum culture results reported

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients ages 12 years or older with a pleural or 

respiratory (i.e., pulmonary and laryngeal) site of disease, alive at 

diagnosis, counted in the cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
72

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 1 (Date Reported)

– 8 (Date of Birth)

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 16 (Site of TB Disease)

– 18 (Sputum Culture)

This indicator measures the extent to which the TB program or health care providers ensure that 

sputum specimen is collected and results reported for TB patients. 

Obtaining a sputum specimen is necessary to assess a patient’s level of infectiousness, identify 

the organism, test drug susceptibility, and obtain genotype results. Isolation of M. tuberculosis

from children with pulmonary TB can be a challenge, which is why the working group 

recommended that the cohort for this objective be limited to TB patients ages 12 years or older. 

However, specimen collection from children for bacteriology is recommended by the American 

Throracic Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and CDC, without limitations for age.

“Sputum culture result reported” is defined as having either a positive or a negative sputum 

culture result reported to CDC. This specimen should have been collected within 2 weeks after 

the patient has initiated treatment. “Sputum culture result not reported” includes results that 

were not done, unknown, or missing. 

While sputum culture will not be needed for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and detection of drugresistance tuberculosis as the use of nucleic acid amplification test and rapid molecular test 

become more widely adopted, it will remain important and needed for obtaining genotype results. 

‘Reporting of Sputum Culture Results for TB Patients Ages 12 Years or Older with a Pleural or 

Respiratory Site of Disease, by Provider Type’ allows TB programs to assess practices by provider 

type.
73

(Quarterly report available)
74

Sputum Culture Conversion

National objective: For TB patients with positive sputum culture results, increase the proportion 

who have documented conversion to negative results within 60 days of treatment initiation

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with positive sputum culture results who have documented conversion to 

negative results within 60 days of treatment initiation

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who have documented conversion to negative 

results within 60 days of treatment initiation

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with positive sputum culture results, alive at 

diagnosis, who have initiated treatment, counted in the cohort period 

of interest. Patients who died within 60 days of initiating treatment 

are excluded. For cohort 2009 onward, patients who moved out of the 

country within 60 days of initiating treatment are also excluded

(Quarterly report available)
75

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 18 (Sputum Culture)

– 36 (Date Therapy Started) 

– 37 (Initial Drug Regimen)

– 41 (Sputum Culture Conversion Documented)

◆ Yes/No/Unknown

◆ Date specimen collected 

– 42 (Moved)

– 43 (Date Therapy Stopped)

– 44 (Reason Therapy Stopped or Never Started) 

This indicator measures the extent to which sputum specimens are obtained promptly and 

culture conversion is documented. While conversion within 60 days is optimal, and documented 

conversion after 60 days is still acceptable, large numbers of cases with no such documentation 

suggests the need for improving procedures so that staff members understand the importance of 

documenting culture conversion. 

The completeness of this indicator is marked by the change of the purple bar graph to blue when 

the completeness of the variable, “Sputum Culture Conversion Documented” reaches 90% for 

the respective analytical cohort. 

The objective of monitoring culture conversion within 60 days has practical significance in the 

treatment of TB patients. While not all patients have conversion within 60 days, particularly 

those with cavitary disease and sputum smear-positive result, sputum collection and monitoring 

for culture conversion around the 60-day period is essential for assessing treatment progress and 

evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment regimen. 

According to the Treatment of Tuberculosis guidelines, approximately 80% of patients with pansusceptible pulmonary TB who had a positive sputum culture result before starting treatment will 

have a conversion to culture-negative after receiving 2 months of treatment. Refining treatment 

regimens, closely monitoring patients to ensure adherence, and extending treatment to a 

minimum of 9 months may be warranted for treatment success if conversion did not take place 

within 60 days of treatment initiation.

Sputum culture conversion is defined as 2 consecutive negative cultures with no positive cultures 

thereafter. The date of conversion is the specimen collection date for the first consistently 

negative culture. 
76

The Treatment of Tuberculosis guidelines recommend that sputum specimen collection for 

microscopic exams and culture be done monthly until two consecutive specimens have negative 

culture results, indicating successful culture conversion. Obtaining specimens and laboratory 

testing for assessing culture conversion can be costly. TB programs and health care providers 

need to balance between costs, and optimize return in investment, while striving for increased 

performance on this indicator. 

‘Sputum Culture Conversion for Patients with Positive Sputum Culture Results’ provides the data 

for TB programs to assess the proportion of cases with delayed or no documented conversion.

(Quarterly report available)
77

A stratification of this indicator by provider type is provided to help TB program managers focus 

further evaluation activities.

While most cases convert from a positive to a negative culture result within 60 days, research 

has found that patients with more severe forms of TB, particularly those with cavitary disease 

and AFB-positive sputum smears, take longer to convert. Using the graph, ‘Sputum Culture 

Conversion for Patients with Positive Sputum Culture Results, by Cavitary Disease and Positive 

Sputum Smear Result,’ TB program managers can monitor and assess the sputum culture 

conversion rates for those with or without cavitary disease and positive smears.

(Quarterly report available)
78

(Quarterly report available)

In some instances, culture conversion was reported to have taken place before the date treatment 

was initiated. These cases are indicated by a negative number of days from treatment initiation 

to culture conversion on the line listed data for this indicator. While it is possible that patients 

with low bacterial load may have a subsequent negative culture result reported prior to starting 

treatment, laboratory contaminations or errors have been found among cases reported with a 

single positive culture result. TB program staff is encouraged to review cases with negative 

culture conversion days, in particular for cases recorded with a single positive culture, to ensure 

laboratory contamination or error is not the cause.
79

Completion of Therapy (COT)

National objective: For patients with newly diagnosed TB disease for whom 12 months or less of 

treatment is indicated, increase the proportion who complete treatment within 12 months

Indicator

Percent of patients with newly diagnosed TB disease for whom treatment for 12 months or less is 

indicated who completed treatment within 12 months (366 days)

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who complete treatment in less than or equal 

to 366 days

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients who are eligible1 to complete treatment within 

12 months, alive at diagnosis, and have started treatment. Patients 

who died within 366 days of initiating treatment are excluded. For 

cohort 2009 onward, patients who moved out of the country2 within 

366 days of initiating treatment are also excluded

(Quarterly report available)
80

NOTE: 

1Conditions that require patients to have an extended course of treatment and thus not eligible to 

complete treatment within 12 months are excluded from this cohort. These conditions include

■ Meningeal TB

■ TB in the central nervous system

■ TB in bone or joint and the skeletal system 

■ Initial drug-susceptibility reported as resistant to rifampin

■ Cases in patients age 0–14 years with disseminated TB

• Disseminated TB is defined as –

– Evidence of miliary TB on chest radiograph or chest CT scan, or 

– A positive result from culture of blood specimen

– A positive result of NAA testing from blood specimen

All other patients are included in this calculation (i.e., those with negative culture result, those 

with an unknown culture status, and those with positive culture result but unknown initial drugsusceptibility test results).

2 Patients who moved outside of country within 366 days of initiating treatment are excluded for 

cases reported in 2009 onward.

Patients who moved out of the country are defined as those –

■ Reported as “Yes” on the question “Did the patient move during TB therapy?” in the RVCT 

data item “MOVED”

And 

■ Checked the box for “Out of the U.S.”

For cases in patients who moved out of the United States, “Reason Therapy Stopped” is reported 

as “Other.” The “Date Therapy Stopped” reflects the date medication was last ingested by the 

patient prior to moving, or the date the patient moved outside of the country.

Treatment outcome data (i.e., “Reason Therapy Stopped” and “Date Therapy Stopped”) for 

patients who moved outside of the country is updated when available. For these cases, the 

“Reason Therapy Stopped” may reflect “Completed” or “Died.” The “Date Therapy Stopped” 

reflects the actual date when treatment was completed or date the patient died.
81

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 1 (Date Report) 

– 8 (Date of Birth)

– 15 (Status at TB Diagnosis)

– 16 (Site of TB Disease)

– 20 (Culture of Tissue and Other Body Fluids)

◆ Anatomic code – Blood

– 21 (Nucleic Acid AmplificationTest Result) 

◆ Anatomic code – Blood

– 22 (Initial Chest Radiograph and Other Chest Imaging Study)

– 36 (Date Therapy Started)

– 37 (Initial Drug Regimen)

– 40 (Initial Drug Susceptibility Results)

– 42 (Moved)

– 43 (Date Therapy Stopped)

– 44 (Reason Therapy Stopped or Never Started) 

This indicator measures the degree to which TB patients complete therapy on time. The 

completeness of the indicator data is determined by the completeness of the variable “Date 

Therapy Stopped.”

Delays in completion of therapy can reflect treatment lapses and other undesirable outcomes 

such as default and loss to follow up. Most TB patients infected with a drug-susceptible 

M. tuberculosis strain should be able to complete treatment within 6 to 9 months. For drug 

resistance other than rifampin, TB patients are also expected to complete treatment within one 

year. The indicator, completion of treatment within 12 months, provides a 3 to 6 month grace 

period for the majority of TB patients. The following images from the Completion of Therapy 

Indicator Report illustrate the percentage of cases by treatment outcome and percentage of 

patients who completed treatment within 12 months by provider type and type of treatment 

supervision. 
82

Note: Eligible Patients excludes those who died within 1 year of initiating treatment.

(Quarterly report available)

(Quarterly report available)
83

Beginning in 2009, cases in patients who moved out of the United States were excluded from 

calculation of the COT indicator. However, a graph is provided in this NTIP report to help 

programs track treatment completion for cases in patients who moved out of the country.

(Quarterly report available)

(Quarterly report available)
84

Technical Note on Updates to COT calculation

2005:

1. Exclusion for meningeal disease was expanded from pediatric (age under 15 years) cases 

to all TB cases.

2. Exclusion for pediatric cases with bone or joint was dropped. 

2009: 

Reporting of miliary disease changed with RVCT Revision. 

Expired RVCT

Major Site of Disease: Miliary

OR

Additional Site of Disease: Miliary

Revised RVCT

Miliary TB is diagnosed through the reading of an ‘abnormal’ chest radiograph or 

chest CT scan.

■ Initial Chest Radiograph: Abnormal

AND

Evidence of miliary TB: Yes 

■ Initial Chest CT Scan or Other Chest Imaging Study: Abnormal

AND

Evidence of miliary TB: Yes

NOTE: For cases to be classified as miliary TB, the chest radiograph or chest CT scan must be 

reported as “Abnormal” and “Evidence of miliary TB” is reported as “Yes.”

2012:

Exclusion for TB cases in patients who moved out of the country was added for cases from 

2009 onward. 
85

2013:

Exclusion for cases of TB in bone or joint and the skeletal system and TB in the central nervous 

system. Modification of exclusions for died during therapy and moved out of the country to 

exclude only those patients who moved or died within one year of initiating treatment.
86
87

VII. Monitoring Progress on Laboratory Reporting

This chapter covers indicators that are related to laboratory reporting.

Indicators for Laboratory Reporting

■ Laboratory Turnaround Time – Culture

■ Laboratory Turnaround Time – NAA

■ Drug-Susceptibility Result

■ Universal Genotyping

Data on laboratory results for TB cases are collected on the RVCT and reported to CDC 

through NTSS. All TB cases included in this set of indicators have been counted by reporting 

jurisdictions and meet the CDC TB surveillance definition and case verification criteria.

This set of indicators contributes to TB elimination by measuring key outputs from activities 

related to laboratory testing and reporting. Through rapid specimen processing and reporting of 

findings, laboratories contribute to the diagnosis and effective treatment of patients with active 

TB disease and the interruption of TB transmission. 

While TB programs may not have a direct role in laboratory activities measured in this set of 

indicators, they are direct beneficiaries of services and partners. Data related to TB cases are 

also extracted by TB program staff from laboratory reports and reported in RVCT to CDC. This set 

of indicators help TB program managers monitor laboratory activities, provide feedback, and work 

with laboratories to ensure information is received on time.

Resources

Treatment of Tuberculosis, MMWR 2003; 52 (No. RR-11) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5211.pdf

CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance Data Training, Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT): 

Instruction Manual, June 2009 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/rvct/InstructionManual.pdf
88

Laboratory Turnaround Time – Culture

National Objective: For TB patients with cultures of respiratory specimens identified with 

M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC), increase the proportion reported by the laboratory within 25 

days from the date the specimen was collected

Indicator

Percent of TB patients who have the identification of MTBC from culture of respiratory 

specimens reported within 25 days from the date specimen was collected

NOTE: 25 days include 21 days for culture to grow and 4 days for specimen collection and 

delivery to lab.

(Quarterly report available)
89

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who have the identification of MTBC from 

culture of respiratory specimens reported within 25 days from the date 

specimen was collected

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with positive result for culture in respiratory 

specimens (i.e., sputum, upper respiratory fluids, tracheal fluid, and 

bronchial fluid), counted in the cohort period of interest. Patients 

with positive result for culture in non-respiratory specimen or gastric 

aspirate are excluded

NOTE: If two culture results are available, the respiratory specimen with the earliest report date 

will be assessed for this indicator.

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 5 (Count Status)

– 6 (Date Counted)

– 18 (Sputum Culture) 

◆ Result

◆ Date collected

◆ Date result reported

– 20 (Culture of Tissue and Other Body Fluids) 

◆ Result

◆ Date collected

◆ Anatomic codes

◊ Upper respiratory fluids or tracheal fluid

◊ Bronchial fluid

◆ Date result reported

Prompt reporting of laboratory results for the confirmation of M. tuberculosis is important for 

clinical treatment decisions. Two methods commonly used to identify M. tuberculosis are 

1) liquid culture, and 2) nucleic acid amplification (NAA) test. The recommended laboratory 

turnaround time (TAT) for these two methods is different: 21 days for liquid culture and 2 days 

for NAA test. The TAT is the length of time from the date when the specimen is received at the 

laboratory to the date when the result is reported to the clinician.

Limited by the information known to the TB program staff and collected for surveillance, 

NTIP assesses the TAT based on the date specimen is collected and the date when the result 

is reported. Thus, 4 additional days is added to the indicator to allow for specimen delivery 

to laboratories.
90

Laboratory Turnaround Time – NAA

National Objective: For TB patients with respiratory specimens positive for M. tuberculosis 

complex (MTBC) by nucleic acid amplification (NAA), increase the proportion reported by the 

laboratory within 6 days from the date the specimen was collected

Indicator

Percent of TB patients who have the detection of MTBC by NAA testing from respiratory 

specimens reported within 6 days from the date specimen was collected

NOTE: 6 days includes 2 days for detection and 4 days for specimen collection and delivery 

to lab.

(Quarterly report available)
91

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients who have the detection of MTBC reported 

within 6 days from the date of specimen collection

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with positive result for NAA test in respiratory 

specimens (i.e., sputum, upper respiratory fluids, tracheal fluid, and 

bronchial fluid), counted in the cohort period of interest. Patients with 

positive result for NAA test on non-respiratory specimen or gastric 

aspirate are excluded

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 5 (Count Status)

– 6 (Date Counted)

– 21 (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Result)

◆ Result

◆ Date collected

◆ Anatomic codes

◊ Upper respiratory fluids or tracheal fluid

◊ Bronchial fluid

◆ Date result reported 

Prompt reporting of laboratory results for the confirmation of M. tuberculosis is important for 

clinical treatment decisions. Nucleic acid amplification (NAA) test is a rapid test, performed 

directly on patient specimens. The benefit of using NAA to detect M. tuberculosis complex 

is that it has a quick turnaround time (TAT). The recommended TAT for NAA test is 2 days, 

although the test results are often available immediately. The TAT is the length of time from the 

date when the specimen is received at the laboratory to the date when the result is reported to 

the clinician.

NTIP calculates laboratory TAT based on surveillance data collected in the RVCT, thus the 

TAT is calculated based on the date specimen is collected and the date when the result is 

reported, instead of the date the laboratory received the specimen and the date when the result 

is reported. Four additional days is added to the indicator to allow for specimen delivery to 

laboratories.

Recent analysis suggests that often times NAA testing have been done on culture specimens, 

not direct patient specimens, which prolonged the TAT beyond that indicated for rapid testing, 

defeating the purpose of using NAA testing for quick TAT. 
92

(Quarterly report available)
93

Drug-Susceptibility Results

National objective: For TB patients with positive culture results, increase the proportion who have 

initial drug-susceptibility results reported

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with a positive culture result who have initial drug-susceptibility 

results reported

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients with initial drug-susceptibility results reported

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with positive culture result, counted in the 

cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
94

DATA SOURCES

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 18 (Sputum Culture)

– 20 (Culture of Tissue and Other Body Fluids)

– 39 (Initial Drug Susceptibility Testing)

– 40 (Initial Drug Susceptibility Results)

This indicator measures the proportion of TB patients with positive culture result for which drug 

susceptibility testing (DST) is done and reported. DST results are important in characterizing 

the organism and guiding TB treatment and treatment of contacts with newly-diagnosed latent 

TB infection. Failure to test for drug susceptibilities may lead to the use of less-than-optimum 

treatment regimens. 

The completeness of the indicator data is determined by the completeness of the variable “Initial 

Drug Susceptibility Testing.”

Drug susceptibility testing for INH, RIF, EMB, and PZA is recommended on the initial isolates 

of M. tuberculosis from all patients. However, because some public health laboratories do not 

have the capacity to perform PZA susceptibility testing, the calculation for this NTIP indicator 

currently includes DST testing for INH, RIF, and EMB only for cases reported after 2013. For 

cases reported prior to 2013, the calculation for this NTIP indicator includes DST for INH and 

RIF.

Inclusion of PZA in the calculation for DST will be implemented within the next few years. State 

TB program officials should work closely with their respective state public health laboratories to 

increase laboratory capacity to perform testing for PZA. 

TB program staff should also ensure that DST results are recorded and reported according to 

the RVCT. “Initial drug-susceptibility results reported” is defined as initial drug susceptibility 

results reported as “Yes” and the susceptibility results for INH, RIF, and EMB reported as either 

resistant or susceptible. 
95

Universal Genotyping

National objective: For TB patients with a positive culture result, increase the proportion who 

have a MTBC genotyping result reported

Indicator

Percent of TB patients with a positive culture result who have an isolate submitted for genotyping 

and linked to the RVCT record

CALCULATION

Percentage (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of TB patients with an isolate submitted for genotyping and 

linked to the RVCT record

Denominator (N) Number of TB patients with a positive culture result, counted in the 

cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
96

DATA SOURCES 

■ National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS)

• Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) fields:

– 18 (Sputum Culture)

– 20 (Culture of Tissue and Other Body Fluids)

■ National Tuberculosis Genotyping Information Management System (TB GIMS)

This indicator measures the proportion of culture-positive TB cases for which genotyping is done 

and reported. Genotyping results are important in guiding contact investigations and discovering 

or delineating TB outbreaks. 

An initial isolate should be submitted for genotyping by a CDC-funded genotyping laboratory, for 

all TB patients with positive culture results.
97

VIII. Monitoring Progress on Contact Investigations

This chapter covers indicators that are related to investigations of contacts to smear-positive 

TB cases. 

Indicators for Contact Investigations

■ Contact Elicitation 

■ Examination

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Treatment Completion 

Data on contact investigations are collected and reported by TB programs to CDC via the 

Aggregate Reports for Tuberculosis Program Evaluation (ARPE) annually in September. 

Submissions of paper-based reports are then entered into NTIP by the DTBE ARPE Coordinator. 

TB program staff can also submit ARPE data to CDC electronically and update them through 

NTIP’s Electronic Data Submission for ARPE function on a real-time basis as data become 

available. Data submitted electronically are reflected in NTIP immediately. A step-by-step 

instruction guide on submitting ARPE data through NTIP is provided in the NTIP Companion for 

Data Managers. Contact Investigation reports are only available in the yearly trend.

While data on all contact investigations are documented and reported to CDC through ARPE, 

NTIP indicators focus on contacts to smear-positive TB cases, which are most likely to transmit 

TB. This set of indicators contributes to TB elimination by measuring the examination and followup of contacts to highly infectious cases. By finding, evaluating, and treating contacts diagnosed 

with latent TB infection, TB programs contribute to decreasing TB incidence. Figure 4.1 outlines 

the activities, outputs, and the desired outcomes of TB prevention through contact tracing.

Resources

Guidelines for the Investigation of Contacts of Persons with Infectious Tuberculosis: 

Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC

MMWR 2005; 54 (No. RR-15, 1-37) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5415a1.htm

Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

MMWR 2000; 49 (No. RR-6) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4906a1.htm

Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Guide for Primary Health Care Providers

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/LTBI/treatment.htm

Aggregate Reports for Tuberculosis Program Evaluation: Training Manual, CDC, April 2005 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/PDF/ARPEs_manualsm1.pdf
98Figure 4.1: Activities, Outputs, and the Desired Outcomes of Tuberculosis Prevention through Contact Tracing
99

Contact Elicitation

National objective: For TB patients with positive AFB sputum-smear results, increase the 

proportion who have contacts elicited

Indicator

Percent of sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases with contacts elicited

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases with 

contacts elicited

Denominator (N) Number of sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases counted in 

the cohort period of interest
100

Sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases with contacts elicited is calculated by the number of 

sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases for investigation minus the number of sputum AFB smearpositive TB cases with no contacts. 

DATA SOURCE

■ ARPE (Contacts) fields:

• Cohort Year

• a1 (Sputum smear+ Cases for Investigation)

• b1 (Sputum smear+ Cases with No Contacts)

This indicator measures the performance in finding at least one contact per sputum smearpositive TB case and indirectly measures whether a contact investigation was initiated.

Contacts to sputum smear-positive cases are a high priority in contact investigations because 

of increased risk of transmission from smear-positive cases. Listing contacts is the first step of a 

contact investigation, followed by examination for infection and TB disease and treatment.
101

Contact – Examination

National objective: For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases, increase the proportion 

who are examined for infection and disease

Indicator

Percent of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases examined for infection and disease

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive 

TB cases examined

Denominator (N) Number of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases 

counted in the year of interest
102

DATA SOURCE: 

■ ARPE (Contacts) fields: 

• Cohort Year

• c1 (Number of Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases)

• d1 (Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases Evaluated)

This indicator measures the extent that contacts to sputum smear-positive cases are fully 

evaluated for TB infection and disease. Contacts to sputum smear-positive cases are a high 

priority in contact investigations because of the increased risk of transmission from smearpositive cases.

Ensuring examination and treatment of high-risk contacts is important to prevent future TB 

cases. In addition, results of the medical examinations provide the basis for making overall 

decisions about contact investigation.

Contacts are counted as “examined” if they have been tested and examined to the point where 

a final determination of diagnosis is either latent TB infection, TB disease, or no infection or 

disease. A full medical examination among certain high-risk contacts may involve completion 

of chest X-ray or other examinations to rule out TB disease or infection, regardless of TST or 

interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) test results.
103

Contact – Treatment Initiation

National objective: For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed with latent 

TB infection (LTBI), increase the proportion who start treatment

Indicator

Percent of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed with LTBI who started 

treatment

NOTE: Contacts are counted as having started treatment after taking the first dose of 

a treatment course.
104

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of contacts started treatment

Denominator (N) Number of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed 

with LTBI, counted in the year of interest

DATA SOURCE

■ ARPE (Contacts) fields: 

• Cohort Year

• f1 (Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases with Latent TB Infection)

• g1 (Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases Diagnosed with Latent TB Infection Who 

Started Treatment)

This indicator measures the extent to which newly-infected contacts are started on an approved 

full-course treatment for LTBI. Although LTBI treatment is recommended for most infected 

contacts, newly-infected contacts to pulmonary cases are a priority for LTBI treatment because 

TB is most likely to develop in the first 1 to 2 years after a new infection. Treating contacts who 

have LTBI helps prevent future cases of TB.
105

Contact – Treatment Completion

National objective: For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases who have started 

treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI), increase the proportion who complete treatment

Indicator

Percent of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed with LTBI and started 

treatment who completed treatment 

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of contacts diagnosed with LTBI who completed treatment

Denominator (N) Number of contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed 

with LTBI who have started treatment, counted in the cohort period 

of interest
106

DATA SOURCE

■ ARPE (Contacts) fields: 

• Cohort Year

• g1 (Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases Diagnosed with Latent TB Infection Who 

Started Treatment)

• h1 (Contacts to Sputum smear+ Cases Diagnosed with Latent TB Infection Who 

Completed Treatment)

This indicator measures the extent that newly-infected contacts to pulmonary cases starting a 

full-course of LTBI treatment complete this treatment. 

Although LTBI treatment is recommended for most infected contacts, newly-infected contacts 

to pulmonary cases are a priority for LTBI treatment because individuals are most likely to have 

active TB within the first 1-2 years of becoming infected. Contacts who complete treatment for 

LTBI are less likely to have TB disease than those who do not complete treatment. 
107

Note: See ARPE Manual for definition and outcomes.
108
109

IX. Monitoring Progress on Examination 

of Immigrants and Refugees

This chapter covers indicators that are related to the follow-up medical examination of 

immigrants and refugees arriving in the United States with TB Class B notification, specifically 

those with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as suggestive of TB.

Data for this set of indicators derives from the Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system. 

The system contains immigrant and refugee applicant medical data from the U.S. Department of 

State. EDN notifies state and local health departments of individuals with TB Class B notification 

arriving in their jurisdiction to facilitate follow-up. Data on the follow-up of these individuals are 

collected on the TB Follow-up Worksheet and submitted back to CDC through EDN.

This set of objectives contributes to TB elimination by monitoring the screening and completion 

of preventative treatment for tuberculosis among immigrants and refugees, who are considered 

a high risk group for TB disease. Through targeted testing and treatment of Class B immigrants 

and refugees, TB programs contribute to decreasing TB incidence among foreign-born persons. 

Figure 5.1, the logic model for the prevention of TB among high-risk populations, describes the 

activities, outputs, and the desired outcomes for the medical examination of this group. 

Indicators for Examination of Immigrants and Refugees

■ Examination Initiation

■ Examination Completion

■ Treatment Initiation

■ Treatment Completion 

Class B Notifications

Immigrants and refugees arriving in the United States are given classifications based on certain 

health conditions recorded during required pre-immigration medical examinations. These medical 

examinations are done by overseas panel physicians using technical instructions developed by 

the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. Persons who are diagnosed with active TB are 

required to complete treatment prior to being approved to enter the United States. Persons who 

completed treatment for TB or who are noninfectious are given B classification and approval 

to enter the country. These classifications help immigration officers and public health officials 

prioritize individuals for follow-up medical examination after their arrival. For definitions and 

guidance, please refer to the Guidelines for Screening for Tuberculosis Infection and Disease 

during the Domestic Medical Examination for Newly Arrived Refugees.
110

While immigrants and refugees may have class conditions designated for various health 

conditions requiring follow-up upon arrival in the United States, the national TB objectives 

or NTIP indicators focus on the medical follow-up examinations of persons with TB-related 

conditions, specifically those with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent with TB. 

These individuals may or may not include persons who are contacts to infectious TB patients or 

persons with latent TB infection. Individuals included in the analytical cohort of interest for NTIP 

are those with “abnormal finding” checked for chest X-rays and indicated to have conditions 

that are suggestive of tuberculosis on the Department of State Chest X-ray and Classification or 

Tuberculosis Worksheet.

For individuals examined using TB Technical Instruction (TI) 1991:

■ U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet DS-3024 published 

September 2007

• Chest X-ray Findings: Abnormal Findings 

– Can suggest active TB

– Can suggest inactive TB

For individuals examined using TB TI 2007:

■ U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet DS-3030 published 

July 2010

• Chest X-ray Findings: Abnormal Findings

– Can suggest Tuberculosis

Or

■ U.S. Department of State, Tuberculosis Worksheet DS-3030 published September 2014

• Chest X-ray Findings: Abnormal Findings

– Can suggest Tuberculosis

NOTE: NTIP indicators are calculated based on the primary jurisdiction of arrival. TB program 

managers can use EDN to electronically notify other jurisdictions of Class B individuals who 

move to another jurisdiction before completing their Class B examination and treatment.
111

Resources

Guidelines for Screening for Tuberculosis Infection and Disease during the Domestic Medical 

Examination for Newly Arrived Refugees 

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/guidelines/domestic/tuberculosis-guidelines.html

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis among Foreign-Born Persons, 

MMWR 1998; 47 (No. RR-16) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00054855.htm

TB Follow-up Worksheet Guide

Treatment of Tuberculosis, MMWR 2003; 52 (No. RR-11) 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5211.pdf 
112Figure 5.1: Logic Model for the Prevention of TB among all High-risk Populations

Inputs/Resources Activities Short-term Outcomes Intermediate Outcomes Long-term Outcomes

Appropriate treatmentAdherence (directly 

observed preventive 

therapy if needed)Completion of treatment for LTBI

Improved programsServices tailored to meet community needs

More effective prevention

Evidence-based assessment of

prevention effectiveness

Individuals with LTBIdiagnosedIndividuals with LTBIoffered treatment Individuals with LTBIGood communication with coinitiated treatment

mmunity 

partnersCommunity needs understoodCommunity partners adhere to guidelines

Strategies: Identify and prioritize high-risk persons; targeted testing and treatment for LTBI; develop partnerships with providers treating high-risk populations

Adequate infrastructure• Qualified, trained, and 

motivated staff

• Community and 

congregate setting partnerships

• Policies, procedures,

and guidelines

• Ongoing data 

collection, monitoring,

and reporting systems

• Adequate physical, 

diagnostic, and 

treatment resources

• Linkages between 

jurisdictions

• Adequate data 

collection tools

Reduced TB incidence in high-risk persons

TB eliminated

Identify high-risk populations

• Analyze epidemiologic and LTBI

data

• Engage stakeholders (e.g., immigrants and refugees 

services providers, community 

health centers, correctional 

facilities, drug treatment centers,

homeless shelters, HIV testing,

and care providers)Develop tool/protocol to prioritize 

efforts based on evidence (e.g., epi data, recent outbreak investigations)Select and train appropriate staff

Educate patients

Provide examination and treatment for LTBI promptly:

• Chest X-ray• Medical examination• Case management

• Monitoring• Incentives/enablers/ DOPT

Educate stakeholdersDevelop memorandum of 

underst

Monitor program yield

anding with community 

partners for diagnosis, treatment, referral, and coordination

Partner with providers
113

Immigrants and Refugees – Examination Initiation

National Objective: For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest radiographs (X-rays) read 

overseas as consistent with TB, increase the proportion who initiate medical examination within 

30 days of notification

Indicator

Percent of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent with 

TB who initiated medical examination within 30 days of notification

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of immigrants and refugees who initiated medical examination 

within 30 days of notification by EDN

Denominator (N) Number of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read 

overseas as consistent with TB who arrived in the cohort period of 

interest 

(Quarterly report available)
114

DATA SOURCES

■ Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System 

• U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet

– DS-3024 Form (published September 2007) field:

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

– DS-3030 Form (published July 2010) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• U.S. Department of State, Tuberculosis Worksheet

– DS-3030 Form (published September 2014) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• TB Follow-up Worksheet fields:

– A4 (Initial U.S. Entry Date)

– C1 (Date of Initial U.S. Medical Evaluation)

• EDN system notification date

This indicator measures the extent that a follow-up medical examination of immigrants and 

refugees who arrived with a TB Class B notification is initiated within the recommended interval. 

Failure to initiate an examination shortly after arrival in the United States can lead to delayed 

diagnosis of active TB or to missed opportunities to diagnose and treat latent TB infection among 

foreign-born persons. 

The Date of Notification to the “primary jurisdiction of arrival” is used to determine the 

denominator of this indicator.
115

Immigrants and Refugees – Examination Completion

National objective: For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as 

consistent with TB, increase the proportion who complete a medical examination within 90 days 

of notification

Indicator

Percent of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent with 

TB who completed a medical examination within 90 days of notification

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of immigrants and refugees who completed medical 

examination within 90 days of notification by EDN

Denominator (N) Number of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays 

read overseas as consistent with TB who arrived in the cohort period 

of interest

(Quarterly report available)
116

DATA SOURCES

■ Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System

• U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet

– DS-3024 Form (published September 2007) field:

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

– DS-3030 Form (published July 2010) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• U.S. Department of State, Tuberculosis Worksheet

– DS-3030 Form (published September 2014) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• TB Follow-up Worksheet fields:

– A4 (Initial U.S. Entry Date)

– D1 (Disposition Date)

– D2 (Evaluation Disposition)

◆ Completed evaluation

◆ Treatment Recommended

– D3 (Diagnosis)

• EDN system notification date

This indicator measures the extent that a follow-up medical examination of immigrants and 

refugees who arrived with a TB Class B notification is completed within the recommended 

interval. Failure to complete an examination shortly after arrival in the United States can lead 

to delayed diagnosis of active TB or to missed opportunities to diagnose and treat latent TB 

infection among foreign-born persons. 

Examination Completed is defined as no missing information for whether treatment is 

recommended or not, and the diagnosis is not missing. The end points of domestic medical 

examination are indicated in D2. (i.e., Completed Evaluation, Initiated Evaluation/Not 

Completed, Did Not Initiate Evaluation). Once an examination end-point has been reached and 

a treatment recommendation has been made, the examination is considered to be completed. 

The objective is to reach a determination or disposition within 90 days after health department 

was notified of immigrants and refugees’ arrival. Once a disposition is reached, (if treatment is 

initiated or not) this data should be obtained by the appropriate jurisdiction and reported back to 

EDN promptly (See page 28 of TB Follow Up Guide).
117

Note: Unknown/Other include those completed examination, but have no diagnosis recorded.

(Quarterly 

report available)

(Quarterly 

report available)
118

Note: The immigrants and refugees reported as having completed examination in this cohort 

includes those with incomplete responses on the ‘Evaluation Disposition Date,’ ‘Treatment 

Recommended,’ ‘Diagnosis’ fields on the TB Follow-up Worksheet. 

(Quarterly 

report available)
119

Immigrants and Refugees – Treatment Initiation

National objective: For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as 

consistent with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection or have radiographic findings 

consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the basis of examination in the U.S., 

for whom treatment was recommended, increase the proportion who start treatment

Indicator

Percent treatment initiation for immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read 

overseas as consistent with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection (LTBI) or have 

radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) and who are 

recommended for treatment on the basis of examination in the U.S.

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of immigrants and refugees who started treatment

Denominator (N) Number of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read 

overseas as consistent with TB who are diagnosed with LTBI or have 

radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC 

Class 4) and who are recommended for treatment on the basis of 

examination in the U.S., arrived in the cohort period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
120

DATA SOURCES

■ Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System

• U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet

– DS-3024 Form (published September 2007) field:

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

– DS-3030 Form (published July 2010) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• U.S. Department of State, Tuberculosis Worksheet

– DS-3030 Form (published September 2014) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• TB Follow-up Worksheet fields:

– A4 (Initial U.S. Entry Date)

– D2 (Evaluation Disposition)

◆ Completed Evaluation

◆ Treatment recommended

– D3 (Diagnosis)

– E1 (U.S. Treatment Initiated)

– E2 (U.S. Treatment Start Date)

LTBI treatment helps prevent future cases of TB. This indicator measures the extent to which 

local TB programs ensure that immigrants and refugees diagnosed with LTBI or have radiographic 

findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the basis of examination in the 

United States are started on treatment. 

According to the guidelines, all persons diagnosed with LTBI or have a radiographic finding 

consistent with prior pulmonary TB, who have not been treated for TB are recommended for LTBI 

treatment. Individuals with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) who have not been treated are 

at increased risk for progression to active disease. Other terminologies used when referring to 

prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) include inactive TB disease, or old healed TB. Please refer 

to the guideline for Treatment of Tuberculosis for more information.

Under special circumstances, treatment may not be recommended for persons who are pregnant 

or have liver disease. Because these conditions are not captured in the TB Follow-up Worksheet, 

the NTIP Workgroup recommended that only individuals who are recorded as ‘Treatment 

Recommended’ be included in this indicator cohort.

TB program staff are encouraged to review records for individuals diagnosed with LTBI or who

have radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) for whom 

treatment was not recommended, to understand why treatment was not prescribed.
121

Immigrants and Refugees – Treatment Completion

National objective: For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as 

consistent with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection or have radiographic findings 

consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the basis of examination in the U.S., 

and who have started on treatment, increase the proportion who complete treatment

Indicator

Percent treatment completion for immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read 

overseas as consistent with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection (LTBI) or have 

radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) and recommended 

for treatment on the basis of examination in the U.S., who have started treatment

CALCULATION

Percent (%) n/N x 100

Numerator (n) Number of immigrants and refugees who completed treatment

Denominator (N) Number of immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays 

read overseas as consistent with TB who are diagnosed with LTBI 

or have radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB 

(ATS/CDC Class 4) and recommended for treatment on the basis of 

examination in the U.S., who started treatment, arrived in the cohort 

period of interest

(Quarterly report available)
122

DATA SOURCES

■ Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) System

• U.S. Department of State, Chest X-ray and Classification Worksheet

– DS-3024 Form (published September 2007) field:

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

– DS-3030 Form (published July 2010) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• U.S. Department of State, Tuberculosis Worksheet

– DS-3030 Form (published September 2014) field: 

◆ Chest X-ray Findings

• TB Follow-up Worksheet fields:

– A4 (Initial U.S. Entry Date)

– D2 (Evaluation Disposition)

– D3 (Diagnosis)

– E1 (U.S. Treatment Initiated)

– E2 (U.S. Treatment Start Date)

– E3 (U.S. Treatment Completed)

– E4 (U.S. Treatment Completion Date or End Date)

This indicator measures the extent to which immigrants and refugees who are diagnosed with 

LTBI or have radiographic findings consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the 

basis of U.S. examination and who started treatment complete treatment. Preventative treatment 

helps prevent future cases of TB.
123

(Quarterly report 

available)
124
125

X. Evaluating Data Quality and Promptness

This chapter describes how surveillance data quality (i.e., accuracy, completeness and 

promptness) affects the data in NTIP indicator reports, and demonstrates how an user can use 

NTIP to assess surveillance data quality and delineate data problems.

Impact of Inaccurate or Incomplete Surveillance Data on 

NTIP Indicators

Inaccurate or incomplete surveillance data from the RVCT has tremendous impact on NTIP 

indicators. Missing or incorrect data in an RVCT variable used in an indicator calculation 

incorrectly classifies a TB case in the eligibility criteria for an indicator. A case may be 

incorrectly included or excluded from the denominator leading to inaccurate indicator results. 

Similarly, inaccurate or missing data in a variable for the numerator (used to determine whether a 

case met a particular objective) may lead to a lower than expected indicator result. 

Figure 6.1: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph with Missing Data
126

Figure 6.1 provides an example from the Completion of Therapy objective. The figure illustrates 

how missing data in a variable, which determines whether cases met the objective, affect the 

indicator calculation. The NTIP graph indicates that none of the cases eligible to complete 

treatment within 12 months from 2008 to 2011 met the objective. The table accompanying 

the graph indicates that most of the patients have completed treatment, though none of the 

patients completed treatment within 12 months. This results in 0% treatment completion rate 

for this objective. Completion of Therapy indicator, two variables, the “Date Therapy Started” 

and “Date Therapy Stopped,” are used to calculate the treatment duration. While all completion 

of treatment is important, in order to meet the objective for this indicator treatment has to be 

completed within 366 days. Missing data in one key variable, such as “Date Therapy Stopped,” 

has a tremendous effect on the indicator result as shown in Figure 6.1. Figure 6.2 shows the 

graph after the missing variables are corrected.

Figure 6.2: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph without Missing Data

Using NTIP Graphs to Assess Surveillance Data Quality 

and Promptness

NTIP reports can be used to assess and monitor the quality of surveillance data submitted to 

CDC. Understanding how indicators are calculated, how data are presented, and the timing 

of surveillance data transmission to CDC, staff members from each TB program can use NTIP 

reports to assess the accuracy, completeness, and promptness of surveillance data and take the 

necessary action to ensure high quality surveillance data.
127

Purple vs. Blue Bar Graph

The trend graph on each indicator report is a visual tool that provides clues on the accuracy, 

completeness, and promptness of surveillance data received by CDC. 

The color of the bar graph serves as an “indicator” of how complete surveillance data are for a 

particular cohort period. The color of the bar graph changes from purple to blue when the data 

are 90% complete (See Figure 6.3). For the Completion of Therapy indicator, the variable “Date 

Therapy Stopped” is used to determine data completeness. When the color of the graph turns 

blue, it signals that at least 90% of the patients in the reporting cohort period have a “Date 

Therapy Stopped.” When reviewing the indicator reports, noting the time period where the color 

of the bar graph remains purple gives a sense of the data completeness for the time-period. 

Figure 6.3: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph Illustrating Data Completeness 

A bar graph that remains purple in a time-period where most patients should have completed 

treatment, and therefore should have a stop therapy date, may indicate data quality issues. 

In Figure 6.4, the bar graphs for 2004 and 2005 data remained purple where the bar graphs 

for 2006 and 2007 have changed to blue suggesting possible data issues for the years 2004 

and 2005. 
128

Figure 6.4: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph Illustrating Data Quality

Quarterly Trends

Utility of NTIP is in large part affected by on-time reporting to CDC. The timing of reporting can 

be observed and monitored through NTIP. Understanding the timeline for case management, 

data collection, and reporting helps one interpret the graph for this purpose. Using Completion of 

Therapy as an example, the NTIP reports can be examined by quarters to assess the promptness 

of surveillance data reporting. For the Completion of Therapy indicator, eligible cases should 

complete treatment within 12 months. For example, most cases that were diagnosed with TB and 

counted in the fourth quarter of 2010 [2010-Q4] should have completed treatment by the 4th 

quarter of the following year [2011-Q4]. Because time is required for treatment completion data 

to be collected, reported to state TB programs, and transmitted to CDC, data may be delayed 

by the time they reach NTIP. Monitoring the completeness and promptness of surveillance data 

is in many ways similar to monitoring the progress of the individual program with respect to the 

indicator. From the perspective of evaluating a program that has kept their data collection and 

reporting in sync with their case management process, the cohort period that most cases would 

have completed treatment for the first quarter of 2012 is the 4th quarter 2010. The blue bar 

graph in Figure 6.5 and Figure 6.6 illustrate this point. In Figure 6.5, data for Completion of 

Therapy appears to be almost complete. The blue bars show that more than 90% of the data 

for Date Therapy Stopped is available for each quarter in 2010. However, since there may be 

many patients still on therapy during 2011, the purple bars in Figure 6.6 show that the data for 

Date Therapy Stopped fall below 90%. The height of the bars in the trend graph indicated that 

Completion of Therapy has suffered as well. 
129

Figure 6.5: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph, by Quarter, 2009-Q4 to 2010-Q4

Figure 6.6: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph, by Quarter, 2010-Q4 to 2011-Q4
130

In a program that has been transmitting data to CDC on a continuous basis as patients complete 

treatment, a curve reflecting the continued receipt of cases completing treatment within 12 

months can be observed (see Figure 6.7). In contrast, a program that has not been updating 

or transmitting data on a regular basis may be missing large amounts of data (see Figure 6.8). 

Delays in data reporting can also be observed when comparing programs’ indicator status to 

corresponding state or national averages. 

Figure 6.7: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph Illustrating Continuous Data Transmission
131

Figure 6.8: Completion of Therapy Trend Graph Illustrating Delayed Data Transmission
132

Line-Listed Data 

In assisting programs with data validation, NTIP provides line lists of cases that are summarized 

in the aggregate indicator reports. Program staff members can use the line list to help them find 

missing data in variables used to calculate the indicators that have contributed to cases being 

misclassified in the cohort eligibility criteria or for not meeting the indicator objective. The 

screenshot below shows an example of a line list:

A Incomplete/Missing Data: Cells highlighted in purple are missing information for reason 

therapy stopped and duration of treatment.

B Treatment Duration > 366 Days: Cases with treatment duration over 366 days do not meet 

the objective for completing treatment within 1 year. However, they may be included in the 

indicator cohort.

C Objective Met or Not Met: The cases (rows) highlighted in gray have been correctly 

classified as not meeting the completion of treatment objective (reason therapy stopped is not 

COMPLETED). 

D Tools: The ‘Sort & Filter’ and ‘Find & Select’ tools can be used to sort and filter the 

spreadsheet to examine the data using specific criteria.

A B C

D
133

Appendix A: National TB Program Objectives and 

Performance Targets

Please refer to CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/Evaluation/Indicators/

ProgramObjectives.pdf, for updates. 

Goals for Reducing TB Incidence 2020 Targets

TB Incidence Rate 

Reduce the incidence of TB disease.

1.4 cases 

per 100,000

U.S.-Born Persons 

Decrease the incidence of TB disease among U.S.-born persons.

0.4 cases 

per 100,000

Foreign-Born Persons 

Decrease the incidence of TB disease among foreign-born persons.

11.1 cases 

per 100,000

U.S.-Born Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans 

Decrease the incidence of TB disease among U.S.-born non-Hispanic 

blacks or African Americans.

1.5 cases 

per 100,000

Children Younger than 5 Years of Age 

Decrease the incidence of TB disease among children younger than 5 years of age.

0.3 cases 

per 100,000

Objectives on Case Management and Treatment 2020 Targets

Known HIV Status 

Increase the proportion of TB patients who have a positive or negative HIV test 

result reported.

98%

Treatment Initiation 

For TB patients with positive acid-fast bacillus (AFB) sputum-smear results, increase 

the proportion who initiated treatment within 7 days of specimen collection.

97%

Recommended Initial Therapy 

For patients whose diagnosis is likely to be TB disease, increase the proportion who 

are started on the recommended initial 4-drug regimen.

97%

Sputum Culture Result Reported 

For TB patients ages 12 years or older with a pleural or respiratory site of disease, 

increase the proportion who have a sputum culture result reported.

98%

Sputum Culture Conversion 

For TB patients with positive sputum culture results, increase the proportion who have 

documented conversion to negative results within 60 days of treatment initiation.

73%

Completion of Therapy 

For patients with newly diagnosed TB disease for whom 12 months or less of 

treatment is indicated, increase the proportion who complete treatment within 

12 months.

95%
134

Objectives on Laboratory Reporting 2020 Targets

Turnaround Time — Culture 

For TB patients with cultures of respiratory specimens identified with M. tuberculosis 

complex (MTBC), increase the proportion reported by the laboratory within 25 days 

from the date the specimen was collected.

NOTE: 25 days includes 21 days for culture to grow and 4 days for specimen 

collection and delivery to lab.

78%

Turnaround Time — Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA)

For TB patients with respiratory specimens positive for MTBC by nucleic acid 

amplification (NAA), increase the proportion reported by the laboratory within 6 days 

from the date the specimen was collected.

NOTE: 6 days includes 2 days for detection and 4 days for specimen collection and 

delivery to lab.

92%

Drug-Susceptibility Result 

For TB patients with positive culture results, increase the proportion who have initial 

drug-susceptibility results reported.

100%

Universal Genotyping 

For TB patients with a positive culture result, increase the proportion who have a 

MTBC genotyping result reported.

100%

Objectives on Contact Investigations 2020 Targets

Contact Elicitation 

For TB patients with positive AFB sputum-smear results, increase the proportion who 

have contacts elicited.

100%

Examination 

For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases, increase the proportion who are 

examined for infection and disease.

93%

Treatment Initiation 

For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases diagnosed with latent TB 

infection, increase the proportion who start treatment.

91%

Treatment Completion 

For contacts to sputum AFB smear-positive TB cases who have started treatment for 

latent TB infection, increase the proportion who complete treatment.

81%
135

Objectives on Examination of Immigrants and Refugees 2020 Targets

Examination Initiation 

For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest radiographs (X-rays) read overseas 

as consistent with TB, increase the proportion who initiate a medical examination 

within 30 days of notification.

84%

Examination Completion 

For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent 

with TB, increase the proportion who complete a medical examination within 90 days 

of notification.

76%

Treatment Initiation 

For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent 

with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection or have radiographic findings 

consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the basis of examination 

in the U.S. and who are recommended for treatment, increase the proportion who 

start treatment.

93%

Treatment Completion

For immigrants and refugees with abnormal chest X-rays read overseas as consistent 

with TB who are diagnosed with latent TB infection or have radiographic findings 

consistent with prior pulmonary TB (ATS/CDC Class 4) on the basis of examination 

in the U.S. and recommended for treatment, and who have started on treatment, 

increase the proportion who complete treatment.

98%

Objectives on Data Reporting 2020 Targets

RVCT 

Ensure the completeness of each core Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis 

(RVCT) data item reported to CDC, as described in the TB cooperative agreement 

announcement.

100%

ARPE 

Ensure the completeness of each core Aggregate Reports for Tuberculosis Program 

Evaluation (ARPE) data items reported to CDC, as described in the TB cooperative 

agreement announcement.

100%

EDN 

Ensure the completeness of each core Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) 

system data item reported to CDC, as described in the TB cooperative agreement 

announcement.

93%
136

Objectives on Program Evaluation

Evaluation Activities 

Increase program evaluation activities by monitoring program progress and tracking 

evaluation status of TB cooperative agreement recipients.

Evaluation Focal Point 

Increase the percent of TB cooperative agreement recipients that have an evaluation 

focal point.

Objectives on Human Resource Development

Development Plan 

Increase the percent of TB cooperative agreement recipients who submit a program-specific 

human resource development plan (HRD) and a yearly update of progress, as outlined in the 

TB cooperative agreement announcement.

Training Focal Point 

Increase the percent of TB cooperative agreement recipients that have a TB training 

focal point.
137

Appendix B: Glossary

For a complete list of terms and definitions, please refer to CDC Tuberculosis Surveillance 

Data Training, Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT): Instruction Manual, June 2009. 

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/rvct/InstructionManual.pdf

Term Definition

Acid-fast bacilli (AFB)

Microorganisms that when stained, retain color even after they have 

been washed in an acid alcohol solution; may be detected under a 

microscope in stained smear.

Active TB disease

An illness, caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 

in which tuberculosis (TB) bacteria are multiplying and attacking 

parts of the body, most commonly the lungs. A person with active TB 

disease is capable of spreading the disease to others if the TB bacteria 

are active in the lungs or throat. The symptoms of active TB disease 

include weakness, weight loss, fever, no appetite, chills, and night 

sweats. Other symptoms may include a bad cough, pain in the chest, 

and coughing up blood. 

Adherence to treatment Following the recommended course of treatment by taking all the 

prescribed medications for the entire length of time necessary.

Adverse effect Negative side effect resulting from the use of a drug (for example, 

hepatitis, nausea, headache).

Aggregate Reports for 

Tuberculosis Program 

Evaluation (ARPE) - 

Contacts

A national summary report tool that helps evaluate non-case finding 

and non-case holding TB prevention activities. These prevention 

activities include contact tracing, targeted testing, and treating latent 

tuberculosis infection. 

Bronchoscopy A procedure used to obtain pulmonary secretions or lung tissue with 

an instrument called a bronchoscope.

Case management

A system in which a specific health department employee is assigned 

primary responsibility for the patient, systematic regular review of 

patient progress is conducted, and plans are made to address any 

barriers to adherence.

Incidence rate

The number of cases that occur during a certain time period, divided 

by the size of the population during that time period; the incidence 

rate is often expressed in terms of a population size of 100,000 

persons.

Case reporting Informing the state or local health department when a new case (an 

occurrence) of TB disease has been diagnosed or is suspected.

Cavity A hollow space within the lung, visible on a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Contact investigation

A procedure for interviewing a person who has TB disease to 

determine who may have been exposed to TB. People who have 

been exposed to TB are tested for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB 

disease.
138

Term Definition

Contacts

Persons who were exposed to someone with infectious TB disease, 

generally including family members, roommates or housemates, close 

friends, coworkers, classmates, and others.

Country of birth The country where a person was born.

Culture To grow organisms on media (substances containing nutrients) so that 

the micro-oorganisms or the product of this process can be identified.

Daily regimen A treatment schedule in which the patient takes a dose of each 

prescribed medication every day.

Diagnostic evaluation

An evaluation used to diagnose TB disease: includes a medical 

history, a chest X-ray, the collection of specimens for bacteriologic 

examination, and possibly a tuberculin skin test or an interferongamma release assay such as the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test.

Directly observed therapy 

(DOT)

A designated person watches the TB patient swallow each dose of the 

prescribed drugs.

Drug susceptibility test A laboratory method for finding drug resistance in a microorganism. 

Drug-resistant TB

TB caused by organisms that are able to grow in the presence 

of a particular drug; TB that is resistant to at least one first-line 

antituberculosis drug.

Electronic Disease 

Notification (EDN) 

System

A system that notifies state and local public health officials of 

immigrant and refugee arrivals into their jurisdiction who have 

been found to have suspected TB during their overseas medical 

examination.

Ethambutol (EMB)

A drug used to treat TB disease; may cause vision problems. 

Ethambutol should be used cautiously in children who are too young 

to be monitored for changes in their vision.

Extrapulmonary TB

TB disease that occurs in places other than the lungs, such as the 

lymph nodes, the pleura, the brain, the kidneys, or the bones; most 

types of extrapulmonary TB are not infectious.

First-line TB drugs The initial drugs used for treating TB disease. Includes isoniazid 

(INH), rifampin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PZA), and ethambutol (EMB). 

Foreign-born persons People born outside of the United States.

HIV Human immunodeficiency virus: the virus that causes AIDS.

Isolate A sample from a specimen that was identified as a certain organism 

such as M. tuberculosis complex.

Isoniazid (INH) A drug that is used for treating LTBI and one of the drugs used to treat 

TB disease.

Latent TB infection 

(LTBI)

Refers to the condition when a person is infected with tubercle bacilli, 

but TB disease has not developed. Persons with LTBI do not have 

TB disease symptoms and they cannot spread TB germs to others. 

Persons with LTBI usually have a positive result to the Mantoux 

tuberculin skin test or an interferon-gamma release assay.
139

Term Definition

LTBI treatment Medication that is given to people who have latent TB infection to 

prevent them from developing TB disease.

Mantoux tuberculin skin 

test (TST)

A method of testing for TB infection; a needle and syringe are used to 

inject 0.1 ml of 5 tuberculin units of tuberculin solution between the 

layers of the skin (intradermally), usually on the forearm, the reaction 

to this test, a palpable swollen area (induration), is measured 48 to 

72 hours after the injection and is interpreted as positive or negative 

depending on the size of the reaction and the patient’s risk factors for 

TB.

Miliary TB

Miliary TB is a serious type of tuberculosis disease. It is a histological 

or radiologic finding, rather than a site of disease. It appears on 

radiograph as a great number of small, well-defined nodules that look 

like millet seeds scattered throughout the lungs, hence the name 

“miliary.” 

Multidrug-resistant TB 

(MDR TB) 

TB disease resistant to at least the drugs isoniazid and rifampin: MDR 

TB is more difficult to treat than drug-susceptible TB.

Mycobacterium 

tuberculosis complex

A group of closely related mycobacteria that cause active TB (e.g., 

M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and M. africanum). Most TB in the United 

States is caused by M. tuberculosis.

National Tuberculosis 

Surveillance System 

(NTSS)

The National TB Surveillance System collects information on each 

newly reported case of tuberculosis (TB) disease in the U.S. The 

program is a cooperative effort of CDC and state and local health 

departments.

Nucleic acid 

amplification (NAA)

A technique that amplifies (copies) DNA or RNA segments, in order to 

directly detect microorganisms in patient specimens.

Pyrazinamide (PZA) A drug used to treat TB disease.

Pulmonary TB

TB disease that occurs in the lungs, typically causing a cough and an 

abnormal chest X-ray. Most TB cases reported in the United States are 

pulmonary TB.

Report of Verified Case 

of Tuberculosis (RVCT)

The national tuberculosis surveillance data reporting form. All 

jurisdictions report these data to CDC on each newly reported case of 

TB. The results are used for determining the TB morbidity incidence 

rates for the United States, U.S. Territories, and Affiliated Islands.

Rifabutin A drug used to treat TB disease.

Rifampin A drug used to treat TB disease; also used for LTBI treatment. 

Rifapentine A drug used to treat TB disease.

Smear

A specimen that has been smeared onto a glass slide, stained, washed 

in an acid alcohol solution, and then placed under the microscope for 

examination: used to detect acid-fast bacilli in a specimen.

Specimen A sample collected from a person for testing.

Sputum Phlegm from deep in the lungs, collected in a sterile container for 

processing and examination.
140

Term Definition

Susceptibility An micro-organism’s ability to be killed by a particular drug.

Suspect

A patient for whom there is a high index of suspicion for active TB 

(e.g., a known contact to an active TB case or to a person with signs or 

symptoms consistent with TB) who is currently under evaluation for TB 

disease.

TB cases Instances where patients have been diagnosed with TB disease.

TB Follow-up Worksheet A worksheet used to document the medical examination of an 

immigrant or refugee arrived in the U.S. with a TB Class Condition. 
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CS 254627-A