Improved Diagnostic Evaluation of Suspected Tuberculosis

Figure 2.
Figure 2. Likelihood ratios, sensitivities, and specificities of tests used in combination, using ELISpot or ELISpotPLUS first.

Data are for patients in whom results on both tests were available (n = 265). Except where stated, values are likelihood ratios with 95% CIs. Tuberculin skin test thresholds for positivity were induration ≥15 mm on the Mantoux test or grade 3 to 4 on the Heaf test. ELISpot = enzyme-linked immunospot incorporating early secretory antigenic target-6 and culture filtrate protein-10; ELISpotPLUS = enzyme-linked immunospot incorporating early secretory antigenic target-6, culture filtrate protein-10, and Rv3879c; TB = tuberculosis; TST = tuberculin skin testing. Top. ELISpot followed by TST. *Combined sensitivity of 1 or more positive results from tests used in combination, 97% (CI, 93% to 99%). †Combined specificity for a double-negative result from tests used in combination, 62% (CI, 53% to 71%). Bottom. ELISpotPLUS followed by TST. ‡Combined sensitivity of 1 or more positive results from tests used in combination, 99% (CI, 95% to 100%). §Combined specificity for a double-negative result from tests used in combination, 61% (CI, 52% to 70%).

This Article

  1. Ann Intern Med March 4, 2008 vol. 148 no. 5 325-336