Reducing the rates of indeterminate results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test during routine preemployment screening for latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare personnel

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2009 Mar;30(3):296-8. doi: 10.1086/595732.

Abstract

We implemented the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) In-Tube test to identify latent tuberculosis infection among potential employees prior to employment. The rates of indeterminate QFT-G In-Tube test results were higher than expected and prompted an investigation that led to successful interventions (eg, manual vortexing before incubation and the use of a modified in-tube method). The tracking of indeterminate results is suggested as an important quality control measure.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / standards*
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tuberculin Test / methods
  • Tuberculin Test / standards*
  • Tuberculosis / blood
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis / transmission