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HomeUse of interferon-gamma release assays in support of TB diagnosis
Ad hoc scientific panel opinion
Use of interferon-gamma release assays in support of TB diagnosis
Ad hoc scientific panel opinion
Publication metadata
This guidance document presents the evidence-based expert opinion of an ad hoc scientific panel on the use of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and active TB. The panel expressed that IGRAs should not replace the existing standard diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of active TB and that a negative IGRA result does not exclude active TB disease. As to the diagnosis of LTBI, the panel expressed that IGRAs may be used in conjunction with an overall risk assessment in order to identify individuals for whom preventive treatment should be considered. Further opinions on the use of IGRAs in specific risk groups and populations are presented in the document. IGRAs are relatively new diagnostic tools for TB. They were developed to support the diagnosis of latent TB infection but research is also ongoing for expanding its use to the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. To assure optimal tuberculosis prevention and control it is essential that the introduction of new tools into national TB programmes and/or tuberculosis control strategie is based on solid scientific evidence. Uncertainty still remains as to the effectiveness of IGRAs. ECDC therefore identified the need to provide an EU-adapted guidance on the applicability and appropriateness of IGRAs, both for the identification of latent infection and active TB disease.
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EU body or agency)
- Themes: Public health , Medical and biological research
- Subject: disease prevention , epidemiology , health control , health policy , infectious disease
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| ISSN | ISBN 978-92-9193-240-5 | DOI 10.2900/38588 | Catalogue number TQ-31-11-103-EN-C |
- Released on EU Publications:
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