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Updated: May 9, 2026

Development and Validation of an Ultrasensitive Single Molecule Array Digital Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Human Interferon-α
08:26

Development and Validation of an Ultrasensitive Single Molecule Array Digital Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Human Interferon-α

Published on: June 14, 2018

Dynamic changes in positive interferon-gamma release assay in a dialysis population: An observational cohort study

Chin-Chung Shu1, Vin-Cent Wu, Feng-Jung Yang

  • 1Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

The Journal of Infection
|August 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing in dialysis patients shows frequent changes. A higher QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) threshold can identify persistent positivity for targeted therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are widely used for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) detection.
  • Dynamic changes in IGRA results are uncertain in high-risk populations like dialysis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To monitor dynamic changes in QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) results in dialysis patients.
  • To investigate the heterogeneity of QFT-GIT positivity and identify predictors of persistent positivity.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of patients undergoing dialysis.
  • Serial QFT-GIT testing at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
  • Analysis of conversion and reversion rates and factors associated with persistent positivity.

Main Results:

  • Initial QFT-GIT positivity rate was 22.1%, decreasing to 14.2% at 12 months.
  • High 6-month reversion rate (45.9%) and lower conversion rate (7.7%).
  • Sub-populations showed distinct reversion rates; higher QFT-GIT thresholds identified persistent positivity.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent reversion and conversion of QFT-GIT results occur within six months in dialysis patients.
  • The QFT-GIT positive population is heterogeneous, with varying reversion rates.
  • Utilizing higher QFT-GIT thresholds can aid in identifying patients needing prioritized follow-up and LTBI treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
ConversionDialysisInterferon-gamma release assayLatent tuberculosis infectionReversion

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