Prospective Comparison of Tuberculin Skin Test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Assay for the Detection of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in a Low-Incidence Setting

Abstract

We compared the results of the tuberculin skin test with the results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay among 182 low-risk healthcare workers. Overall agreement and specificity were high, but the tests did not agree on positive results. Only 2 of 5 positive QFT-GIT assay results could be confirmed with repeat analyses. Indeterminate results were associated with potential immunosuppression.