In-hospital blood collection increases the rate of indeterminate results in interferon-gamma release assays.

Background: The interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA) has recently been established as a method to evaluate the infection status of tuberculosis instead of the tuberculin skin test. However, indeterminate results can create challenges to interpretation. The IGRA has been available in Japan since 2005, including the recently launched QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-plus) assay.

Correlation Between Thymoma and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Expression in a Patient with Good Syndrome.

Good syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of thymoma in combination with adult-onset hypogammaglobulinemia. Immunological features of Good syndrome include various immunodeficiencies accompanied with hypogammaglobulinemia. In patients with thymoma, paraneoplastic syndromes including hypogammaglobulinemia worsen the prognosis.

Impact of the interferon-γ release assay and glomerular filtration rate on the estimation of active tuberculosis risk before bronchoscopic examinations: a retrospective pilot study.

Background: Bronchoscopic examinations are vital to diagnose pulmonary diseases. However, as coughing is triggered during and after the procedure, it is imperative to take measures against nosocomial infections, especially for airborne infections like tuberculosis (TB). The interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) has recently been established as a method to evaluate the infection status of TB.