Treating Tuberculosis

The goal of the Snohomish County Health Department Tuberculosis Program is to stop the spread of tuberculosis (TB). We help providers understand TB testing and treatment guidelines. To report a suspected case of tuberculosis, contact our TB Program immediately.

  1. TB Program
  2. TB Skin Test Interpretation
  3. Positive TB Tests in Employees
  4. Who has TB in Snohomish County

We partner with other healthcare agencies and providers in Snohomish County to:

  • Investigate all reports of suspected TB
  • Make sure that patients with active TB are isolated, treated, and cured
  • Observe patients with active TB taking their daily medications (directly observed therapy or DOT)
  • Screen all new refugees for TB and provide treatment for those infected
  • Screen people who are exposed to patients with active TB, as well as make sure they get tested and treated as needed
  • Screen immigrants at risk for TB to make sure they don't have active TB and provide treatment as needed
  • Provide TB education to community members and healthcare workers
  • Provide medical consultations about TB to providers

TB Reporting Requirements

Physicians are required by Washington State law to report suspected cases of active TB to their county health department immediately. Do not wait for culture confirmation, as that may take up to 2 months. Delayed reporting may contribute to worsening disease and increased transmission of TB infection among those in close contact with the active patient.

When you refer a patient who is exhibiting symptoms of tuberculosis to the Snohomish County Health Department, please call to make an appointment.

You do not need to refer a case of extrapulmonary TB for treatment; you only need to report it. Status reports on each patient with extrapulmonary TB are requested to be furnished to the TB Program every other month.

Positive Skin Test Results

Positive skin test results do not need to be reported, though they may be referred for further evaluation if the chest X-ray is abnormal.