Launch of TB Genotyping Information Management System (TB GIMS) FREE

MMWR. 2010;59:300

CDC has launched the TB Genotyping Information Management System (TB GIMS) to improve dissemination of data to state and local health officers, including TB controllers.¹ TB GIMS is the first major improvement in genotyping data management since inception of The National Tuberculosis Genotyping Service (NTGS) in 2004, when state laboratories from all TB programs in the United States began voluntary submission of isolates from culture-confirmed patients for molecular characterization.² TB GIMS builds upon the established infrastructure of CDC's National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS) and incorporates genotype data to create a centralized database and reporting system of patient-level results to generate local and national TB cluster—level reports, tables, and maps.

TB GIMS can host up to 3,000 registered users, who will be designated by state TB controllers. By generating alerts when local TB clusters exceed an expected geographic concentration, TB GIMS can help detect suspected tuberculosis outbreaks and thereby direct public health action and response more efficiently. The centralized design also encourages interjurisdictional collaboration and exchange of information regarding outbreaks that cross state lines, providing a new tool for interrupting tuberculosis transmission.

Additional information regarding user registration and a schedule of upcoming instructional training sessions is available at http://www.cdc.gov/tb/programs/genotyping/tbgims/default.htm. Comments and questions can be sent to e-mail, tbgims@cdc.gov.

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2 Available.