QuantiFERON Gold TB Blood Test
|
Test Code: 182879
Specimen Type: Blood
|
|
Description:
TB (Tuberculosis) QuantiFERON Blood Test (Labcorp)
The online QuantiFERON-TB Plus Blood Test is used to aid in identifying infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis (TB). One of only 2 FDA-approved blood tests for TB, the Quantiferon test provides a convenient testing option with a higher degree of accuracy than other older methods for TB testing. The Quantiferon test has a sensitivity as high as 94% in detecting infection with TB.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs but can also attack other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another. TB is not spread by physical contact such as shaking hands or touching objects that have been handled by someone with TB. Most people infected with TB develop a latent infection, meaning the bacteria is present in their body but kept in check by the immune system. People with a latent TB infection do not experience symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others but will often show positive results from a TB blood test. A latent infection may take years to transition to a case of active Tuberculosis disease or it may remain latent indefinitely. People with active tuberculosis will experience sickness and risk passing the infection to others. The risk of developing active TB is highest in those with a weakened immune system, especially for those infected with the HIV virus. The Quantiferon Blood test can show positive results for both latent and active infections but cannot differentiate between them. Positive results should be discussed with a person's doctor. even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.
While TB is not as common in the United States as it once was, there is still a risk posed by TB infection. Over 7,000 new cases of TB were reported in the US in 2020. It is estimated that 11 million people in the US have a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Diagnosis and treatment of LTBI can prevent it from progressing to active Tuberculosis. For more information, please see the CDC website.
TB Blood Test vs Skin Test
There are several advantages to the TB Quantiferon blood test over a 2-step skin test. Blood testing requires only one visit to the lab to have blood drawn, whereas a skin test requires at least 2 visits to a doctor's office to have the test administered and interpreted. The results of a blood test ar objective with a positive or negative report. Skin testing requires a visual interpretation that makes the results more subjective depending on a person's reaction to the test. Blood testing generally has a higher level of sensitivity and accuracy than a skin test.
BCG Vaccine and TB Testing
The bacille Calmette-Guerin or BCG vaccine is commonly administered to people outside the US in countries where tuberculosis is more prevalent. Studies have shown that a 2-step skin test may show false positive results for people who have had a BCG Vaccine. TB blood testing is not affected by prior BCG vaccination. A blood test like the Quantiferon Gold is the recommended testing method for people who have received a BCG.
Customers who are testing to meet requirements for work, school, or travel should verify if a TB blood test will meet their requirements.
The turnaround time for this test is typically 3-5 business days.
Where can I find a TB Quantiferon test near me?
Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
Quantiferon testing is time-sensitive and must be received at the lab within 14 hours of collection. It is recommended that samples for this test be drawn Monday-Thursday in the afternoon.
Categories:
