ERIC Number: EJ1054953
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
The Effectiveness of Screening with Interferon-Gamma Release Assays in a University Health Care Setting with a Diverse Global Population
Birch, Samantha J.; Golbeck, Amanda L.
Journal of American College Health, v63 n3 p180-185 2015
Objective: This analysis examined the effectiveness of utilizing interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) technology in a TB (TB) screening program at a university. Participants: Participants were 2299 students at a Montana university who had presented to the university health center for TB screening during 2012 and 2013. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted utilizing data from student health center medical records. Time and financial expenditures were determined, and the cost of the present screening process and 2 alternative scenarios was calculated. Results: The current process is the most costly and time-consuming scenario for TB testing. Testing exclusively with IGRAs is the least labor-intensive for staff and creates revenue, whereas a dual method, utilizing IGRAs for high-risk students and skin tests for others, provides a solution that better responds to the demographic of the population. Conclusions: This assessment shows that IGRAs are a cost-effective tool for screening a global student population.
Descriptors: Cost Effectiveness, Screening Tests, Diseases, At Risk Students, College Students, Health Services, Universities, Foreign Students, Immunization Programs, Medical Evaluation, Clinical Diagnosis, Immigrants, Diagnostic Tests, Biochemistry, Records (Forms)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Montana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A