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Interferon Gamma Release Assays for Latent Tuberculosis: What Are the Sources of Variability? Journal of clinical microbiology Banaei, N., Gaur, R. L., Pai, M. 2016; 54 (4): 845-850

Abstract

Interferon-? release assays (IGRAs) are blood-based tests intended for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). IGRAs offer logistical advantages and are supposed to offer improved specificity over the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, recent serial testing studies in low risk individuals have revealed higher false conversion rates with IGRAs compared with TST. Reproducibility studies have identified various sources of variability that contribute to non-reproducible results. Sources of variability can be broadly classified as pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical, manufacturing, and immunological. In this review, we summarize known sources of variability and their impact on IGRA results. We also provide recommendations on how to minimize sources of IGRA variability.

View details for DOI 10.1128/JCM.02803-15

View details for PubMedID 26763969