Supplemental use of an interferon-gamma release assay in a state-wide tuberculosis contact tracing program in Victoria: a six-year review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculin skin testing (TST) has been the accepted Australian standard for investigating contacts following exposure to infectious tuberculosis (TB). In recent years, the availability of the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) has introduced a potential alternative test but data on its use in this context are limited.METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted from 2008-2013 to review the use of IGRA and subsequent TB disease following testing in a state-wide contact tracing program. Additional information on the experience and acceptability of IGRA in this context was also obtained through program staff surveys following implementation.RESULTS: IGRA test..