Cost analysis of tuberculin skin test and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube test for tuberculosis screening in a correctional setting in Dallas, Texas, USA

Table 5 Cost per LTBI Case Detected based on Total Annual Cost Estimates for TST and QFT-GIT Testing Strategies

	Direct labor cost per test (health care)	Direct labor cost per test (custody)	Material cost per test	Total annual cost to facility	Total number of tests completed	Cost per per test completed	Cost per LTBI case detected
TST	$8.10	$2.76	$8	$1,010,995.77	38928	$25.97	$1246.60
QFT-GIT	$1.35	$1.38	$37^a	$2,272,386.29	50542	$44.96	$459.87

Indirect labor costs, overhead and on-site capital costs comprised negligible contributions to total cost and were assumed to be similar between strategies so were not included. ^aOff-site capital costs for QFT-GIT were assumed to be included in the market price for laboratory services, which is listed here as the estimated material cost. Tests were considered completed if the results were obtained and returned to the patient. Detection of an LTBI case required a positive test and a completed chest radiograph with no evidence of active TB disease

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