This report sets out the evidence on IGRAs and their use in the diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis.
After reviewing all available evidence, the expert panel concluded that ‘IGRAs should not replace the standard diagnostic methods for diagnosing active TB.’ The panel also pointed out that IGRAs could provide an added value in certain clinical situations: patients with extrapulmonary TB, patients who test negative for acid-fast bacilli in sputum and/or negative for M. tuberculosis on culture, TB diagnosis in children, or in the differential diagnosis of infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria.