Caution Using IGRAs for Latent TB in U.S. Healthcare Workers

In a large study of U.S. HCWs, two interferon-γ release assays had higher baseline positive rates and higher conversion rates than the tuberculin skin test.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important target group for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing. Until recently, the only assay available was the tuberculin skin test (TST), which is limited by low sensitivity, a subjective end-point requiring two clinical visits, and cross-reactivity in individuals who have been vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guérin or have a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) do not share these problems and have the potential to improve LTBI testing.

In a cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow-up between February 2008 and March 2010, researchers examined the performance of IGRAS among 2418 HCWs in the U.S. who were undergoing serial testing for LTBI. Results were …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Caution Using IGRAs for Latent TB in U.S. Healthcare Workers

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Reviewing Author