Indeterminate QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube assay results in children: possible association with procedural specimen collection

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2014 Feb;33(2):220-2. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000001.

Abstract

Fifty-six of 182 (31%) children had indeterminate QuantiFERON assays. Indeterminate assays were associated with inpatient status [odds ratios (OR): 11.7, 95% confidence interval 3.9-34.9], but not with age, gender or medical comorbidities. This indicates that indeterminates may be due to specimen handling, and proper procedural training may be necessary to decrease indeterminate QuantiFERON results.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma Release Tests / methods*
  • Interferon-gamma Release Tests / standards*
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Odds Ratio
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*