Dr Kawamura asks and then answers the Big One;
The million-dollar question is: Can IGRAs replace the skin test?
So far, the research indicates that it can. Because of its biological and operational advantages, it is preferred in BCG-vaccinated persons and in screening non-adherent populations. While there is still quite a bit of fine-tuning to do and much to be learned, the rapidly gathering data has been favorable for IGRAs.
I predict that the TB skin test will become a secondary test that is reserved for special situations where IGRAs or blood-based tests cannot be used or are indeterminate.
