Analyzing the Utilization of Interferon-Gamma Screening for Tuberculosis at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes
Abstract
The tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has many limitations when applied to serial testing of recruits in a restrictive training environment. One year ago the FDA approved QuantiFERON-TB Gold (Trademark) as a blood test to screen for tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis. This product uses a combination of CFP-10 and ESAT-6 proteins to elicit in vitro response of white blood cells to detect prior exposure to m. tuberculosis. The main benefit of the test is it only requires one visit to the physician's office, saving both time and money. Because the test is new, a comparison of the two products singularly and in a two-tiered model was completed testing each product for accuracy, functionality, risk, and cost to determine which test was better suited for use in an environment where the protection of military readiness was the goal. Applying sensitivity and specificity values from journal publications; it was found that two-tier testing was most accurate and cost-effective, while the tuberculin skin test was the most risk averse, and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (Trademark) had the highest process functionality. When applied to a decision matrix based upon the priorities of the military, the conclusion is to continue to use the Mantoux TST due to the lower overall risk to military readiness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476367
Entities
People
- David P. Mitchell