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Background and aims Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended prior to solid organ transplantation. Interferon‐gamma release assays (IGRAs) are the most widely used test for LTBI screening; however, assessment of IGRA performance in patients with end‐stage liver disease is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of indeterminate (INDT) IGRA results in liver transplantation candidates. Methods Between March 2011 and May 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 155 patients undergoing liver transplantation assessment, who underwent IGRA testing (Quantiferon‐TB Gold, QFT‐G) to exclude LTBI. Characteristics of patients, including age, gender, etiology of liver disease, MELD score, and absolute lymphocyte counts, were compared by QFT‐G result (determinate vs INDT). Results Of the 155 patients screened, the rate of positive, negative, and INDT results were 5.2%, 69.8%, and 25%, respectively. The only variable independently associated with an indeterminate test on multivariate analysis was MELD score (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.14 per unit increase; P = 0.014). In 95% of INDT tests, both TB antigen tube and the positive control tube were negative and repeat testing gave the same indeterminate result, suggestive of anergy rather than laboratory error. Conclusions Our study suggests a high rate of INDT IGRA results during screening of liver transplant candidates for LTBI, associated with severity of liver disease and anergy. Because of the high rate of INDT QFT‐G testing in this setting, individualized risk assessment is required including a thorough assessment of clinical risk factors and knowledge of local TB prevalence.

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Background and Aim Post‐marketing studies comparing low‐volume polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based regimens are limited. This randomized study aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of a novel 1‐L low‐volume PEG‐based preparation: 1 L PEG+Asc (PEG3350, sodium ascorbate, sodium sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride) with PEG+SPMC (PEG3350, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium sulfate, sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, citric acid, and aspartame), prior to routine colonoscopy at an Australian tertiary referral center. Methods Outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized to receive either split‐dose 1 L PEG+Asc or split‐dose PEG+SPMC. Bowel preparation quality using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BPPS), modified Aronchick scores, procedure time, cecal intubation, and adenoma detection rates were recorded. Patient compliance and tolerability were captured using a standardized questionnaire. Results A total of 173 patients were randomized, of whom 164 completed the study and were allocated to 1 L PEG+Asc (n = 82) or PEG+SPMC (n = 82). Non‐inferiority of 1 L PEG+Asc was demonstrated with 89% achieving successful preparation (total BPPS ≥6 and each sub‐score ≥2) compared with 85.4% in the PEG+SPMC group, resulting in an estimated difference of 3.7% (95% CI −6.6% to 13.9%). The median BBPS was non‐inferior in all colonic segments with 1 L PEG+Asc (BBPS 3 [interquartile range 2–3]) vs PEG+SPMC (BBPS 2 [interquartile range 2–3]). More 1 L PEG+Asc patients reported moderate to severe nausea (P = 0.028), but overall tolerability was similar. Conclusions The quality of bowel preparation achieved with 1 L PEG+Asc is non‐inferior to that with PEG+SPMC, with similar tolerability outcomes. Further studies are required in patients at risk of suboptimal bowel preparation.