Enhancing the interferon-γ release assay through omission of nil and mitogen values.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To address the limited utility of the interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA) caused by its variability and inconsistency.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on data obtained between 2011 and 2019. QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube was used to measure IFN-γ levels in nil, tuberculosis (TB) antigen, and mitogen tubes.

Results

Of 9,378 cases, 431 had active TB. The non-TB group comprised 1,513 IGRA-positive, 7,202 IGRA-negative, and 232 IGRA-indeterminate cases. Nil-tube IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in the active TB group (median = 0.18 IU/mL; interquartile range: 0.09-0.45 IU/mL) than in the IGRA-positive non-TB (0.11 IU/mL; 0.06-0.23 IU/mL) and IGRA-negative non-TB (0.09 IU/mL; 0.05-0.15 IU/mL) groups (P < 0.0001). From receiver operating ch

SUBMITTER: Jung YJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10327336 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature