Interferon Gamma Release Assays for detection of MTB infection

The introducing New Tools Project (iNTP)

Around a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with 5-10% of those developing active disease during their lifetimes. Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are blood-based tests for Mtb infection. Unlike the tuberculin-based Mantoux skin test, IGRAs are not affected by prior BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccination. Testing for Mtb infection before TB preventive treatment is particularly of use for people who are household contacts of people with TB or from other risk groups.

The introducing New Tools Project (iNTP) provided QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) IGRA reagents to 3 countries for testing of 20,000 people for TB infection.

 

Countries that have implemented IGRAs under the project

 

Availability through Stop TB Partnership's GDF 

Reagents for IGRAs are available in the GDF Diagnostics, Medical Devices & Other Health Products Catalog and GDF Diagnostics, Medical Devices & Other Health Products Ordering List.

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION