Test variability of the QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube assay in clinical practice.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Although IFN-γ release assays (IGRAs) are widely used to screen for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in high-income countries, published data on repeatability are limited.

Objectives

To determine IGRA repeatability.

Methods

The study population included consecutive patients referred to The Methodist Hospital (Houston, TX) between August 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011 for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection screening with an IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube; Cellestis, Carnegie, Australia). We performed multiple IGRA tests using leftover stimulated plasma according to a prospectively formulated quality control protocol. We analyzed agreement in interpretation of test results classified according to manufacturer-recommended criteria and repeatability of quantit

SUBMITTER: Metcalfe JZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3570654 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature