QIAGEN has announced a collaborative effort with the International Panel Physicians Association (IPPA) to bolster awareness of tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements worldwide. The partnership, emphasizing the significance of Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) testing, comes in response to the updated guidelines by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mandating IGRA testing for immigrants aged 2 and older from high-TB incidence countries as part of the U.S. immigrant visa medical exam.

IPPA, a U.S.-based non-profit organization comprising authorized immigration medical evaluators, collaborates with QIAGEN to ensure accurate and efficient TB screening using IGRA testing, such as QIAGEN’s QuantiFERON-TB Plus. This joint effort aligns with the U.S. national strategy to eliminate TB by 2050 and supports global TB eradication endeavors.

Fernando Beils, Senior Vice President and Head of the Molecular Diagnostics business area at QIAGEN, stated, "Our collaboration with IPPA enables us to raise awareness about the benefits of IGRA testing and support the U.S. national strategy to eliminate TB domestically by 2050."

Alexandra Ortega, MPH, MCHES, Executive Director of IPPA, emphasized the partnership's role in ensuring patients receive accurate testing, vital in combating TB on a global scale.

In anticipation of World TB Day, QIAGEN is set to host a global CPD-accredited event on March 21, 2024, featuring top TB experts discussing crucial topics related to TB infection screening and preventive therapy. The event will address advancements in testing, prevention strategies, and challenges faced by high-risk groups like migrants and children.

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, with over 10 million new cases reported worldwide in 2022. The collaboration between QIAGEN and IPPA underscores the importance of accurate TB screening and preventive measures in the fight against this infectious disease.