Evaluation of Tuberculosis Underreporting to National Tuberculosis Program (NTBP) based on data from laboratories in Tehran and NTBP

According to the Global tuberculosis (TB) Report 2014, released by World Health Organization (WHO), difference between estimated number of TB patients and the number of patients who are registered by the National Tuberculosis Programs (NTBP) is about 3 million annually in the world. In the current study, we investigated the level of under-reporting of TB cases between labs with poor collaboration background with NTBP in Tehran.

In the context of TB, this is an inventory study that evaluating the level of under-reporting of TB cases. To do inventory study, first, after selecting laboratories based on poor collaboration background with NTBP and developing patient’s list we matched the patient’s list with the MoHME’s database then, patients that were not recorded in NTBP’s list were identified, and those with available telephone numbers were called.

Out of 23 selected labs, 10 (5 private, 5 public (other than PHC)) had individuals with positive results. 71.6% of all samples are tested in public labs. Out of 23633 performed tests, 1396 individuals were positive. The under-reporting was, 62.5% and 39% in public and private laboratories, respectively.

Public and private sector laboratories will be able to significantly reduce their failure to report if they comply with the recommended requirements and standards of the NTBP in their Processes and software for registering patient information.