BCG vaccination is preceded by an intradermal tuberculin, Mantoux test, which is read at 72 hours but may be read from 48 hours up to 5 days. The tuberculin test is necessary in all age groups except newborn infants who may be vaccinated without prior testing up to 8 weeks, providing there has been no contact with a person with active tuberculosis. BCG vaccination is under some controversy. In Victoria, BCG vaccination of school children was ceased in 1984. Control of Contacts Notification of TB by clinicians and testing laboratories is essential in the control of TB and allows identification of contacts to be made.
Prompt notification is needed to initiate contact tracing in a timely fashion.
Contact tracing and surveillance is the responsibility of the Department of Human Services and is managed by the Human Services TB Program. The extent of investigation is governed by the characteristics of the source case. Cavitation on chest x-ray. Testing should be repeated in 8 to 12 weeks after a break of contact or in some cases, initial testing may be delayed for 8 weeks. Chest x-rays may be indicated.