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New CDC Guidelines Recommend Use of Blood Tests to Diagnose TB in Certain Populations VALENCIA, Cali -- June 24, 2010 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidelines on the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. In these landmark guidelines, the CDC advises that Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood tests are now preferred over the tuberculin skin test (TST) for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) infection in certain populations, including people who typically do not return for the necessary reading of TST results, and those who have received Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as a vaccine or for cancer therapy. The CDC report appears in the June 25 issue of the CDC's Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Drawbacks of using TST's -- which include a higher risk for false positives, especially in people who have been BCG-vaccinated; irritating TB-extract that must be injected under the skin; and the need for a second doctor's visit -- were evaluated by the CDC and factored into their recommendations. Specific highlights from the recommendations with regards to IGRAs include: · IGRAs are preferred over the TST for testing persons who have received BCG. · IGRAs are preferred over the TST for diagnosing TB infection for persons from groups that historically have low rates of returning to have TSTs read. · IGRAs may be used in place of (not in addition to) TST in all situations in which CDC recommends testing, and is considered acceptable medical and public health practice. · IGRAs may be used in place of TST (without preference) to test recent contacts of persons with infectious tuberculosis. · IGRAs may be used in place of TST (without preference) for periodic screening to address occupational exposure to TB. · A TST is preferred for testing children aged <5 years. Use of an IGRA in conjunction with TST has been advocated by some experts to increase diagnostic sensitivity in this age group. Recommendations regarding use of IGRAs in children have also been published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. SOURCE: Ketchum Public Relations E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version