Impact of targeted testing for latent tuberculosis infection using commercially available diagnostics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are increasingly being used as an alternative to the tuberculin skin test (TST). Although IGRAs may have better specificity and certain logistic advantages to the TST, their use may contribute to overtesting of low-prevalence populations if testing is not targeted. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a risk factor questionnaire in predicting a positive test result for latent tuberculosis infection using the 3 commercially available diagnostics.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparison study was performed among recruits undergoing Army basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, from April through June 2009. The tests performed included: (1) a risk factor questionnaire; (2) the QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube

SUBMITTER: Mancuso JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3202318 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature