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Abstract: 

A recently developed screening technology, blood-based interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs), is able to detect sensitization to M. tuberculosis antigens in vitro by measuring interferon gamma (IFN-g), a component of cell-mediated immune reactivity. It is contended that this test overcomes some of the deficiencies of TST screening and increases testing effectiveness. This article summarizes the results of a study published in the Journal of Correctional Health Care, “IGRA-Based Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Persons Newly Incarcerated in New York City Jails” by Monica Katyal, Ruth Leibowitz, and Homer Venters.

Keywords: Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI); Interferon Gamma (IFN-g); IGRA QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) Testing

Affiliations:  1: Pace University School of Law.