Tuberculosis and Pre-Biologic Screening — Gold Coast

Tuberculosis remains an important diagnosis in Australia, particularly in people born overseas, and it is frequently missed because it presents slowly and often outside the lungs. We assess and manage both active and latent tuberculosis in adults, and provide the infection screening required before immunosuppressive and biologic therapy.

Latent tuberculosis

Latent tuberculosis infection means the organism is present but dormant, causing no symptoms and posing no risk to others. It matters because it can reactivate — particularly if the immune system is suppressed.

We provide:

  • Interpretation of a positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA, such as QuantiFERON) or tuberculin skin test
  • Assessment of whether treatment is indicated, weighing the individual's risk of reactivation against the risks of therapy
  • Prescription and monitoring of latent tuberculosis treatment
  • Advice for people from high-incidence countries, healthcare workers, and household contacts

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis outside the lungs is easily overlooked. We assess suspected and confirmed disease involving lymph nodes, bone and spine, the pleura, the abdomen, the genitourinary tract, the central nervous system and other sites. Diagnosis usually requires appropriate tissue sampling, and we advise on what sample is needed and how it should be handled.

Notifiable disease and public health obligations are managed in conjunction with the Queensland tuberculosis control service.

Screening before biologic and immunosuppressive therapy

Before starting a TNF-alpha inhibitor or other biologic or targeted immunosuppressive therapy, screening for latent infection reduces the risk of a serious reactivation later. We provide pre-biologic screening and advice covering:

  • Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment where indicated
  • Hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening and management of risk of reactivation
  • HIV and syphilis screening
  • Strongyloides screening in patients with relevant exposure history
  • Varicella and measles immunity
  • Vaccination review and timing before immunosuppression begins

This service is available to rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, respiratory and haematology colleagues, and to general practitioners.

Referrals

A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.

Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770