title: Optimizing interpretation of the tuberculin test using an interferon-gamma release assay as a reference standard.
abstract: The interferon-gamma release assays have greater specificity than the tuberculin skin test (TST), and at least equal sensitivity. We analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of the TST in immunocompetent children considering QuantiFERON as the referent standard. A TST cut-off point of ≥ 5 mm indicates excellent sensitivity (100%) and specificity (93%) in children without Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. In Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated children, the TST cut-off point of ≥ 10 mm had poorer specificity (86%), and a cut-off point of ≥ 15 mm resulted in reduced sensitivity (60%).
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Department, La Paz Hospital, Madrid, Spain. amendezes@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Méndez-Echevarría
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: González-Muñoz
authors.forename: Maria Jose
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mellado
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baquero-Artigao
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vecino
authors.forename: Elia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pérez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012015:Reference Standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014374:Tuberculin Test / Q000379:methods; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine; D007371:Interferon-gamma