Key points;
- Study period = between September 2005 and June 2009
- HCW's = 5,524
- TST = 5,209
- QFT-GIT = 1,686
- QFT indeterminates = 13
- Remaining after 2nd QFT = 4
...Only in a subgroup were IGRA and TST performed simultaneously. This is because IGRA testing was introduced two years after the start of the systematic screening....Risk assessment was not confirmed by distribution of TST diameter in our study, e.g. the highest proportion of TST ≥ 15 mm was observed in HCWs assumed to be at low risk of TB exposure.
...estimates of LTBI prevalence vary to a great extent depending on whether prevalence is assessed with TST or IGRA (55% versus 26%).
...Since the implementation of this screening programme, there has been a significant reduction in TB cases. In 2008 only 6 cases of TB were diagnosed and in the first half of 2009 only 1 case. No new measures of infection control were implemented that might explain this effect. We believe that HCWs´ awareness of protective measures increased. They were therefore adhering to the rules more closely.
