TY - JOUR T1 - Guidelines for the use of interferon-γ release assays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection JO - Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica T2 - AU - Santin,Miguel AU - García-García,José-María AU - Domínguez,José SN - 0213005X M3 - 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.11.022 DO - 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.11.022 UR - https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-enfermedades-infecciosas-microbiologia-clinica-28-articulo-guidelines-for-use-interferon-release-S0213005X16000185 AB - IntroductionInterferon-gamma release assays are widely used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in low-prevalence countries. However, there is no consensus on their application. The objective of this study was to develop guidelines for the use of interferon-gamma release assays in specific clinical scenarios in Spain. MethodsA panel of experts comprising specialists in infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, microbiology, pediatrics and preventive medicine, together with a methodologist, formulated the clinical questions and outcomes of interest. They conducted a systematic literature search, summarized the evidence and rated its quality, and prepared the recommendations following the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations of Assessment Development and Evaluations) methodology. ResultsThe panel prepared recommendations on the use of interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in the contact-tracing study (both adults and children), health care workers, immunosuppressed patients (patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus, patients with chronic immunomediated inflammatory diseases due to start biological therapy and patients requiring organ transplant) and for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis. Most recommendations were weak, mainly due to the lack of good quality evidence to balance the clinical benefits and disadvantages of the interferon-gamma release assays as compared with the tuberculin skin test. ConclusionThis document provides evidence-based guidance on the use of interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in patients at risk of tuberculosis or with suspicion of active disease. The guidelines will be applicable in specialist and primary care and in public health settings. ER -