International Tuberculosis Laboratory Consulting

Improving tuberculosis (TB) laboratory test capacity internationally is essential to combat the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant TB in many countries throughout the world, which poses a direct public health threat to the United States. Microbiologists from the U.S. who plan to serve as consultants to assist in improving TB laboratories in resource-challenged countries should prepare for such work using available resources that are readily available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Global Laboratory Initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). Identifying and networking with potential collaborators in various countries can help ensure success. Consultants should also become familiar with WHO-recommended TB laboratory test methods, available training programs, and tools for laboratory accreditation.