Interferon γ–Release Assays for Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis in Healthcare Workers in Low-Incidence Settings: Pros and Cons

In well-resourced countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, a major focus of TB control efforts is the detection and treatment of latent TB infection to prevent reactivation to active TB disease. This approach is particularly relevant for healthcare workers. Interferon Gamma Release Assays are used to detect the release of interferon from T cells stimulated by tuberculosis specific antigens. However, these tests differ in cost and complexity than the conventional tuberculin skin test.