AF Form 2453: Tuberculosis Detection and Control Data

AF Form 2453: Tuberculosis Detection and Control Data – AF Form 2453, officially titled Tuberculosis Detection and Control Data, is a key U.S. Air Force medical form used to document tuberculosis (TB) screening results, treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI), and related control measures. It supports the Air Force’s targeted TB surveillance and prevention program, helping protect service members, their families, and installation communities from tuberculosis.

Military personnel, medical providers, and public health staff at Air Force Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) primarily use this form. It ensures accurate tracking of TB tests (such as TST or IGRA), positive results, medication administration (commonly isoniazid/INH prophylaxis), and follow-up until case closure.

What Is AF Form 2453 Used For?

The form collects essential data on:

  • Patient demographics
  • TB screening test results (Tuberculin Skin Test/PPD or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays like QuantiFERON-TB Gold or T-SPOT.TB)
  • Chest X-ray findings (if applicable)
  • Treatment details for latent TB infection
  • Medication start and completion dates
  • Any discontinuation reasons or adverse effects
  • Contact tracing or exposure information when relevant

Public health or aerospace medicine teams document positive TB screening results, prescribed medications, and treatment completion directly on AF Form 2453 and in the patient’s electronic health record. Upon treatment completion (or discontinuation), the form is closed out and filed in the medical record.

This supports the broader Air Force TB Detection and Control Program, which implements guidance from AFMAN 48-105 (Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Diseases and Conditions of Public Health or Military Significance) and local wing instructions (such as 59 MDWI 48-107).

Download the official AF Form 2453 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ja/form/af2453/af2453.pdf

Who Needs TB Screening in the U.S. Air Force?

Air Force TB screening is risk-based and targeted, not universal annual testing for all personnel. Key situations include:

  • Deployment-related screening: Personnel returning from high-TB-prevalence areas with prolonged contact (≥30 days) may require post-deployment testing, typically 3–6 months after return. Routine frequent testing is not required for repeated deployers without additional risk factors.
  • PCS or overseas assignments: Baseline testing for those moving to high-prevalence countries without prior documented tests.
  • High-risk occupations: Medical personnel, child care workers, and others with potential exposure to infectious TB.
  • Basic trainees and new accessions: As part of initial medical processing.
  • Known exposure or symptoms: Immediate evaluation for anyone with close contact to an active TB case or symptoms like persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

Screening methods follow CDC-aligned practices: A symptom questionnaire plus either a tuberculin skin test (TST/PPD) or a preferred blood-based IGRA test. Positive results usually lead to further evaluation (chest X-ray, symptom review) to rule out active disease before starting LTBI treatment.

Note: Current DoD and CDC guidance emphasize that routine annual TB testing of healthcare personnel is no longer recommended without known exposure or ongoing transmission.

Treatment and Documentation Process

When latent TB infection is diagnosed:

  1. Providers evaluate for active disease.
  2. If LTBI is confirmed and treatment indicated, prophylaxis (often 9 months of INH or shorter regimens per current guidelines) begins.
  3. Positive results, medication details, and dates are recorded on AF Form 2453 and in the medical record.
  4. Monthly monitoring occurs for adherence and side effects.
  5. Upon completion, the form is closed and filed.

This documentation supports force health protection, deployment readiness, and public health reporting. Active TB cases are reportable within 24 hours through Defense Health Agency channels.

How to Fill Out AF Form 2453?

The form includes structured fields for:

  • Identifying information (name, SSN or DoD ID, rank, unit)
  • Test type and date, induration measurement (for TST) or result interpretation (for IGRA)
  • Chest radiograph results
  • Treatment regimen, start/completion dates, and pharmacy notes
  • Provider signatures and dates

Always follow local MTF procedures and privacy requirements (the form is protected under the Privacy Act). Use the official fillable PDF from Air Force e-Publishing for accuracy.

Important: Forms and instructions can be updated. Always obtain the latest version from the official Air Force e-Publishing website.

TB Prevention in the Air Force Context

The U.S. Air Force maintains a robust TB control program as part of its aerospace medicine and infection prevention efforts. This includes:

  • Risk assessments before high-risk travel or assignments
  • Education on TB symptoms
  • Contact investigations when needed
  • Alignment with CDC guidelines for LTBI testing and treatment

Service members should report symptoms promptly and complete any prescribed prophylaxis fully to prevent progression to active disease, which could impact deployability and mission readiness.

Additional Resources for Air Force Personnel and Providers

  • Official AF Form 2453: Download PDF
  • Air Force e-Publishing: Search for related publications like AFMAN 48-105
  • Defense Centers for Public Health – Tuberculosis information
  • CDC Tuberculosis resources for healthcare providers

Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available U.S. Air Force and DoD sources as of 2026. Policies and procedures may change. For official guidance, consult your local Aerospace Medicine or Public Health office, or refer directly to current Air Force instructions and your military treatment facility. Medical decisions should always be made by qualified providers.

Keywords: AF Form 2453, Tuberculosis Detection and Control Data, Air Force TB screening, LTBI treatment, military TB form, AFMAN 48-105, Air Force tuberculosis program.

This guide helps U.S. Air Force members, medical staff, and beneficiaries understand the purpose, use, and importance of AF Form 2453 in maintaining readiness and preventing tuberculosis within the military community.