Abstract: Objective To compare the sensitivity of interferon gamma release test (IGRA) with suptum smear,sputum culture and tuberculin slcintest (TST ) in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.To investigate the value of IGRA method in extrapulmonary tuberculosis.Methods Fresh peripheral blood samples were collected from 75 patients of clinically diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis.The result was compared with those of traditional gold standard test methods (sputum smear and sputum culture,TST ),and their clinical application value further were analyzed.Results In 75 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis,the positive rate by IGRA reagent test was 84.0%,sputum smear 8.0%,sputum culture 5.3%,TST test 52.0%.The positive rate of IGRA was significantly higher than those of other common methods,and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusion In the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis,the sensitivity of IGRA reagent is significantly higher than those of the traditional test methods,IGRA has a good clinical value.

Key words: tuberculosis, interferon-gamma release tests, diagnosis