Sensitivity of QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube for diagnosis of recent versus remote M. tuberculosis infection.
The sensitivity of QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube was measured in 104 subjects with recent (≤2 years) and remote Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using tuberculin skin test conversion as the reference standard. The sensitivity was not significantly different between the 2 groups (33% versus 20%, P = 0.3). This finding suggests interferon-γ release assays may not be more sensitive for diagnosis of recent than remote infection. Longitudinal studies are needed to validate this finding.
What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? ::: ::: Free to total PSA ratios are commonly used as an adjunct to total PSA levels to better define an individual's risk for prostate cancer; however, its strengths and weaknesses are not well understood. ::: This article illustrates the use of likelihood ratios that can be generated from the reported sensitivities and specificities from given free to total PSA thresholds in either increasing or decreasing an individual patient's probability of prostate cancer. Understanding the strengths and limitations of free to total PSA testing will help clinicians anticipate whether its use is indicated or not.