Final answer:
Non-contagious TB refers to latent TB infections that are inactive and thus not transmissible, or active TB cases that have been contained through isolation and effective treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criteria for non-contagious TB involve a state where the individual has Tuberculosis but does not transmit the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis to others. This can occur in cases where the infection is latent, meaning the bacteria are present in the body but the immune system keeps them under control and the individual is not showing symptoms of the disease. Individuals with latent TB are not contagious. Additionally, individuals who have been effectively treated for TB for a certain period, typically after 2 weeks of adequate therapy, are less likely to spread the bacteria. Health practitioners use several tools, such as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test and chest radiographs, to screen for TB and monitor its progression.
The term 'non-contagious TB' could also refer to TB infections where a patient has been isolated and is following strict protocols, such as wearing a respiratory mask and confining to one room, as to prevent the spread of the bacterium. Public health notices often emphasize how easily TB can spread through coughing, sneezing, and spitting, thereby outlining the importance of early detection and containment measures including isolation of patients with active TB.