Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test

Blood test to detect tuberculosis (TB) infection.

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a blood test that helps detect latent or active tuberculosis (TB) infection. It measures the immune system's response to TB bacteria by detecting the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) when TB-specific antigens are introduced to a blood sample. Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), the QuantiFERON-TB test is more specific and does not require a follow-up visit for reading results. It is crucial to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the TB test, as it is typically not available on a same-day basis. The turnaround time for obtaining test results is usually around 10 working days, including 3-4 days of incubation. This test requires a special Quantiferon TB Gold Kit and 4 vials of blood will be collected.