Health business science writer Samwel Doe Ouma interviewed QIAGEN’s medical affairs team about the significance of screening for latent TB using the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test. This discussion coincides with World TB Day on March 24th.
QIAGEN GmbH provides sample and assay technologies. The Company offers such technologies for molecular diagnostics laboratories, academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as applied testing customers for purposes such as forensics, animal and food testing, and pharmaceutical process control. QIAGEN serves customers worldwide.
HB: Why is screening for latent TB important in our setting to help end TB?
QGEN: Screening for latent TB infection is crucial in achieving the END TB strategy because it allows for the early detection and treatment of individuals who are infected but asymptomatic and not infectious. By identifying latent TB Infection cases, we can prevent the progression to active TB disease, thereby reducing transmission and ultimately helping to end the TB epidemic.
HB: What are some of the latent TB screening solutions offered by QIAGEN?
QGEN: QIAGEN offers the leading diagnostic solution for screening latent TB Infection, the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test. This test detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by measuring the release of interferon-gamma when CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells are exposed to specific TB antigens. Providing accurate results in a single patient visit, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus streamlines the diagnostic process and offers efficiency and convenience to both healthcare providers and patients.
HB: At what tier of healthcare setting does QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus work well?
QGEN: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus is used in settings where there is access to laboratory facilities and trained personnel to perform the test and interpret the results. This typically includes hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities with laboratory infrastructure.
HB: What are some advantages of using QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus on Turnaround time?
QGEN: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus offers several advantages, including its rapid turnaround time. Unlike traditional TB skin tests, which require patients to return for a second visit to interpret the results, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus provides results within 16-24 hours. This rapid turnaround time minimizes the likelihood of patients being lost to follow-up and facilitates quicker decision-making regarding patient management and treatment strategies.
HB: Why is QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus a better screening tool compared to the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)?
QGEN: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus stands out as a better screening tool in comparison to TB skin tests such as TST for several reasons.
1. Not affected by BCG vaccination: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus is unaffected by BCG vaccination, reducing false positives.
2. Higher specificity and sensitivity: Generally, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus has shown higher specificity and sensitivity compared to TB skin tests like TST, contributing to more reliable results.
3. Cost-effective: Numerous studies have shown that QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus can offer superior cost-effectiveness compared to TST, thanks to its single-visit application and high accuracy. These advantages translate to potential reductions in follow-up visits and associated costs, making QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus a more economically advantageous choice in various scenarios.
4. Quality-controlled lab test: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus requires laboratory facilities and is subject to quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
5. Objective electronic results: Results from QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus are typically electronically generated, aiding in surveillance and data management.
6. Mitogen and Nil control: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus includes controls such as Mitogen and Nil to ensure the validity and reliability of the test results.
7. Measure CD8 T cell response: QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus provides a comprehensive view of the immune response to TB infection, including measurement of CD8 T cell response.
HB: Does the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus solution, known for identifying at-risk adults for progressing to active TB, also apply to children?
QGEN: Yes, the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus, is widely recognized as a leader in the market for its effectiveness in identifying individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In December 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration removed limitations, allowing for testing in relevant patient categories, including children. Moreover, several countries have incorporated IGRAs into their diagnostic strategies and many international guidelines have been issued over the past years. Hence, it continues to be an invaluable tool for identifying TB-infected children at risk of progression to active TB, enabling appropriate interventions to prevent transmission and disease progression.
