Mastering the basics of TB control – Development of a handbook on TB diagnostic methods

Public health guidance

This handbook consists of nine chapters describing basic techniques in the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis. It covers biosafety, quality assurance, latent TB infection, smear microscopy, identification of M. tuberculosis and drug resistance, culture, drug susceptibility testing, and molecular methods.This first edition is intended to contribute to the harmonisation of diagnostic methods for TB within the EU/EEA.

Executive Summary

This report has now been revised, updated and renamed as the ‘Handbook on TB laboratory diagnostic methods for the European Union’.