Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection: The tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assays

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
MukhtarA Adeiza
Keyword(s):  
Tuberculin Skin Test ◽  
Skin Test ◽  
Interferon Gamma ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis Infection ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Tuberculosis Infection ◽  
Interferon Gamma Release Assays

scholarly journals Interferon Gamma Release Assays for Latent Tuberculosis: What Are the Sources of Variability?

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 845-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niaz Banaei ◽  
Rajiv L. Gaur ◽  
Madhukar Pai
Keyword(s):  
Tuberculin Skin Test ◽  
Skin Test ◽  
Interferon Gamma ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis Infection ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Tuberculosis Infection ◽  
Serial Testing ◽  
Conversion Rates ◽  
Interferon Gamma Release Assays

Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are blood-based tests intended for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). IGRAs offer logistical advantages and are supposed to offer improved specificity over the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, recent serial testing studies of low-risk individuals have revealed higher false conversion rates with IGRAs than with TST. Reproducibility studies have identified various sources of variability that contribute to nonreproducible results. Sources of variability can be broadly classified as preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical, manufacturing, and immunological. In this minireview, we summarize known sources of variability and their impact on IGRA results. We also provide recommendations on how to minimize sources of IGRA variability.

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