Referral and tracing of active tuberculosis cases reported from medical institutons in Ningho city, 2005-2009

ObjectiveTo analyze the status of referral and tracing of active tuberculosis(TB)cases reported via internet by non-TB control institutions in Ningho city from 2005 through 2009 and to provide scientific basis for TB prevention and control program.MethodsData from China TB Direct Report System,the forms of patient registration,the records of TB cases referral and tracing from 2005-2009 were collected and analyzed.ResultsDuring the period,46.1% of 24 292 active tuberculosis cases and 49.1% of 8 614 initial smear positive cases were reported and transmitted by non-TB control institutions.The tracing arrival rate and the total arrival rate increased from 52.6% and 74.6% in 2005 to 86.4% and 92.7%.The referral rate,referral arrival rate,and the tracing rate were at the base level.Among the referral TB cases which could not be traced,774 were not found(33.2%)and 918(39.4%)were not followed-up for unknow n reasons.ConclusionNon-TB control institutions play an important role in TB case detection.Enhancing the collaboration with non-TB control institutions and improving TB suspect referring and tracing system can improve TB case detection.