Serial testing with an interferon- release assay in German healthcare workers.

Abstract

Aim: Data concerning conversion and reversion rates in the serial testing of healthcare workers (HCWs) is rare. So far, there is no consensus on how to define and interpret interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) conversions and reversions, or how to deal with such results. We analysed conversion and reversion rates in the serial testing of HCWs using an IGRA.Methods: The study population comprises 287 HCWs, who participated in routine occupational safety and health screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with the QuantiFERON-TB(®) Gold In-Tube assay (QFT). Four different definitions for conversion and reversion were applied: 1) transgression or regression above/below the cut-off; 2) increase from 0.7 IU/ml or decrease from >0.7 to

Bibliographical data

Original languageGerman
Article number2
ISSN1863-5245
Publication statusPublished - 2010
pubmed 20941341