Reliability of Tuberculosis Screening Test in Patients Receiving Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonist Therapy in a United States Rheumatology Clinic

Abstract : The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening in patients being treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in United States military rheumatology clinic. Method: QTB-G blood testing became available 18 months after the study initiation and was performed annually CXR was interpreted by a pulmonologist TST induration of 5mm at 48-72 hours was considered positive Anergy testing was done with Candida and/or Tetanus Patient with (+) TST and/or (+) QTB-G and those with CXR finding concerning for LTBI were referred to Infectious Disease for evaluation