Scotland puts Dx and labs input at centre of new TB action plan
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Scotland has announced a TB Action Plan with a strong focus on “increasing the effectiveness” of diagnostic tests, laboratory services and surveillance activities relating to tuberculosis. The plan, which is targeted at health professionals, is in response to a recently observed rise in TB rates. “Scotland's rate of TB has been relatively low and stable, but recently there has been evidence that the number of cases, while still low, is increasing,” said the Scottish government. “There are various reasons why the number of cases may be increasing, including the emergence of drug resistant strains, the continued prevalence of HIV and increased movement of people between countries,” it added.