Mass surveys and selective case-finding; two tools for tuberculosis control.
The productivity and effectiveness of the traditional mass x-ray survey method of tuberculosis case-finding were compared with those of a selective use of mobile miniature x-ray equipment. In Tulare County, California, two mobile miniature x-ray units were operated independently of each other. One unit conducted community-wide, pre-planned surveys, while the other unit operated a regular weekly schedule of mobile screening clinics in four cities in the county. THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE SELECTIVE SCREENING PROGRAM WERE: (1) Extensive use of the physician referral method; (2) utilization of the unit for contact contact investigation; (3) interpretation of the minifilm and mailing of film and report to the family physician one day after the screening clinic. RESULTS: Mass survey found one case of tuberculosis per 2,200 minifilms taken; cost per case found, $475. Selective screening program found one case per 292 minifilms taken; cost per case found, $111. Of all cases of tuberculosis reported in 1953, 8 per cent were found by mass survey and 18 per cent by selective screening.