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Guidance

Appendix 4: Algorithm for contact tracing process

Published 6 October 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-tb-contact-tracing-guidance/appendix-4-algorithm-for-contact-tracing-process

Notes

  1. See Appendix 3: Decision to initiate a tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation
  2. See section on ‘close contact’ definitions
  3. HPT should be informed of:
  • TB in a child under 16
  • infectious cases (pulmonary or laryngeal TB) where index’s close contacts may involve contacts from a non-household setting for example at a workplace, nursery/school or other congregate settings
  • cases of MDR/XDR TB
  • other difficult to manage or non-compliant patients
  • cases where there is evidence of extensive transmission to close contacts

4. This can be led by TB services, HPT, or a joint approach, based on local arrangements and specifics of situation by agreement. Multiple HPTs may be involved depending on locations of index case, contacts, and settings.

5. If many contacts are likely to require screening, local TB services may not have the resources to do this. Consideration may be given to the use of an external company. The ICB may need to provide funding for this and should therefore be involved in decisions about screening strategy. 

6. See section ‘Outbreak management’.

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