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Tuberculosis screening at single-room-occupancy hotels may be an effective way of tracking tuberculosis patients. In New York, many residents of such facilities are AIDS patients, a group at high risk for tuberculosis. Researchers investigated tuberculosis screening strategies at 32 New York single-room-occupancy hotels. The Tuberculosis Registry was consulted to identify known cases. A group of 93 residents, of which 73 were AIDS patients, were interviewed for symptoms and given a tuberculin skin test and a chest X ray. Sputum specimens were cultured for residents with suspicious symptoms or signs. Sixteen cases of tuberculosis were identified, all in AIDS patients. All were known cases, but eight had been lost to medical follow-up. Five cases were not listed in the tuberculosis registry. Taking a history and cross-checking the registry was the most cost-effective and accurate screening technique. Skin tests and chest X-rays added to the cost without adding to the accuracy of identification.

Objectives. This study evaluated the efficacy of radiographic screening for tuberculosis in correctional facilities. Methods. Inmates at an admission facility in New York, NY, were screened for tuberculosis by registry cross-match, symptom interviews, tuberculin testing, and chest radiography. Results. Thirty-two cases of tuberculosis were detected among 4172 inmate admissions (767 cases per 100 000). Twenty-five inmates (78%) were previously diagnosed but incompletely treated; all were identified by registry cross-match. Seven inmates (22%) were newly diagnosed, of whom four (57%) were asymptomatic, had negative skin tests, and were detected only by their abnormal radiographs. Conclusions. Screening strategies that limit radiographic testing to inmates with either positive skin tests or symptoms may result in missed opportunities for diagnosing active tuberculosis. (Am J Public Health. 1997;87:1335-1337)