Interpretation of Blood Tests for Tuberculosis
Comparison of IGRA tests and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
IGRA tests and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) are essential for diagnosing tuberculosis, each with distinct advantages.
Interpretation of Blood Tests for Tuberculosis
Comparison of IGRA Tests and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis relies heavily on blood tests, primarily Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) and the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). Understanding these tests is essential for effective TB management.
Understanding IGRA Tests
IGRA tests, such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-SPOT.TB, measure the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. These tests provide increased specificity compared to TST.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
The TST involves injecting purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin, with subsequent measurement of the reaction after 48-72 hours.
Comparison Between IGRA and TST
- IGRA: Higher specificity, single visit, unaffected by prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination.
- TST: Requires multiple visits, can yield false positives in vaccinated individuals.
Conclusion
IGRA tests offer advantages in accuracy and convenience compared to TST, making them preferable in various clinical settings.
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Interpretation of Blood Tests for Tuberculosis
