A 50-year-old female with rheumatoid ahritis is being considered for infliximab therapy. Which of the following tests should be performed before beginning treatment?
High-Yield Explanation
Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting TNF-a. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid ahritis paicularly in patients who do not respond to methotrexate therapy. TNF-a inhibitors can lead to reactivation of latent tuberculosis due to TNF-a inhibitor action. All patients being considered for TNF-a inhibitor therapy should therefore have a baseline PPD skin test to screen for latent tuberculosis.