Interferon-gamma-release assays: Better than tuberculin skin testing?

Cleve Clin J Med. 2010 Sep;77(9):606-11. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.77a.09112.

Abstract

Although the tuberculin skin test has long been the standard for detecting latent tuberculosis infection, it has many limitations. Interferon-gamma-release assays are gaining acceptance as an alternative. In this paper we present cases to illustrate how these new tests can be used and how to interpret the results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood / immunology
  • Blood Cells / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Tests / methods*
  • Interferon-gamma / analysis*
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Latent Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / immunology*

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma