Recommendations for the use of interferon-gamma assays for the diagnosis of tuberculous infection

Abstract number: 1733_1499

Hoffmann H., Bodmer T., Kirschner for the Working Group on Mycobacteria P.

Two years ago, CE certified interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) has been launched on the German marked. Ever since, a multitude of studies have tested the IGRA. Guidelines have been elaborated by national expert committees for England, the USA and Switzerland. However, standards of diagnostics and management of tuberculosis may change from country to country.

This statement was drafted by members of the ``Arbeitskreis Mykobakterien'' (AKM), the expert committee for TB diagnostics of Germany, Austria and Switzerland on the basis of review of relevant literature and experience with CE certified IGRA available so far. The statement provides practice-relevant guidelines for indication, pre-analytics and interpretation of IGRA test results in different clinical conditions. The IGRA are integrated in existing guidelines of the DZK for TB management.