37.114.1001    DIAGNOSIS

(1) The procedure and tests needed to diagnose whether or not an individual is infected with tuberculosis or has it in its communicable state, taking into account that person's particular history, are those contained in "Diagnostic Standards and Classification of Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases", a 1986 publication of the American thoracic society (ATS).

(2) Examination of body tissues or secretions by microscopy and culture by a laboratory is required to establish the diagnosis of tuberculosis. It is recommended that at least six sputa, gastrics, or urine be negative for M. tuberculosis to rule out active disease. The growth of a single colony of M. tuberculosis is diagnostic.

(3) A tuberculin skin test shall include:

(a) an intra-dermal injection of 0.0001 milligrams (five tuberculin units) of purified protein derivative in 0.10 cubic centimeters (cc) of sterile diluent; and

(b) recordation of the size of the palpable induration in millimeters (mm) no less than 72 hours following injection.

(i) A significant reaction is one in which the induration is not less than five mm.

(ii) An insignificant or negative reaction is one in which the induration is not present or, if present, is less than five mm.

(4) The department hereby adopts and incorporates by reference "Diagnostic Standards and Classification of Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases", a 1986 publication of the American Thoracic Society which specifies the diagnostic methodology appropriate for tuberculosis. A copy of the above publication may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health Policy and Services Division, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Bureau, 1400 Broadway, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, MT 59620-2951, phone: (406)444-0273.

History: 50-1-202, 50-17-103, 50-17-105, MCA; IMP, 50-1-202, 50-17-103, 50-17-105, MCA; NEW, 1980 MAR p. 1579, Eff. 6/13/80; AMD, 1987 MAR p. 2147, Eff. 11/28/87; TRANS, from DHES, 2002 MAR p. 913.