[Efficiency of periodic QuantiFERON-TB Gold test in hospital nurses].

PURPOSE: To estimate the efficiency and costs of the annual QuantiFERON-TB Gold tests (QFT) for QFT-negative female hospital nurses, and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection for QFT positive converters.

METHOD: Calculation based on the models.

RESULT: Risk reduction of active tuberculosis disease is estimated 48.8% on the most favorable model for the efficiency of periodic QFT tests. Total number and costs of QFT tests necessary to prevent one tuberculosis case are estimated at 4426 tests and 13.3 million yen (137 thousand US$); to prevent one bacilli-positive pulmonary tuberculosis case, 9357 tests and 28.1 million yen (289 thousand US$); to prevent one sputum-smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis case, 22,814 tests and 68.4 million yen (706 thousand US$).

CONCLUSION

Estimated cost of annual QFT tests among general female nurses in Japan to prevent tuberculosis disease is very high, and annual QFT tests could not be recommended.