What must laboratories do when reporting positive TB cases in Connecticut?

Laboratories must report positive tuberculosis (TB) cases in Connecticut by phone and also submit a positive laboratory report or form. This approach ensures that public health officials receive timely and accurate information about TB cases, allowing for rapid response and management efforts to contain potential outbreaks. The requirement to report by phone provides immediate notification, which is critical in the case of infectious diseases, while the submission of a formal lab report/document serves to create a permanent record and provide detailed test results for further investigation and follow-up. This dual process reflects the urgency and importance of managing TB within the community, emphasizing the need for swift communication between laboratories and public health authorities.