In this cost effective analysis, researchers compared traditional skin testing for latent TB to newer interferon-gamma release assays (FDA approved recently). These assays work by incubating a blood sample with tuberculous antigen, and measuring the release of interferon (only tuberculous sensitized individuals will release interferon). They found these assays to be more cost-effective for screening, given they can be given to all individuals (even BCG-vaccinated), only require 1 visit, and do not require any interpretation. These tests will likely supplant skin testing in the near future (abstract).
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