TB Gold Quantiferon
Understanding TB Gold Quantiferon
What is TB Gold Quantiferon?
TB Gold / Gamma Interferon, also called QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G), is a screening test done to diagnose for Tuberculosis (TB). This test is suggested if you have symptoms of TB such as persistent cough, fever, and sudden weight loss. People who are at high risk for developing TB are those with HIV infection, weakened immune system, and advanced age. It may also affect those not treated properly for TB in the past.
QFT is a modern alternative to the tuberculin test. It provides highly specific and sensitive analysis of the condition. A positive result is a strong indicator of TB infection. However, this test cannot distinguish between active and latent TB infection.
What is TB Gold Quantiferon used for?
This test is mostly recommended to :
- Young age children, elderly people and immunocompromised patients, since they have a high risk of progression of LTBI into active TB.
- People who are in close contact with the TB infected patients,
- Health care professionals taking care of TB patients
- People residing in high-risk settings such as near health care facilities or nursing homes etc.
Interpreting TB Gold Quantiferon results
Interpretations
|
NIL TUBE in IU/mL |
ANTIGEN TUBE MINUS NIL TUBE in IU/mL |
FINAL RESULT |
INTERPRETATION |
|
< = 8.00 |
<0.35 > = 0.35 & <25% of Nil tube > = 0.35 & > = 25% of Nil tube |
Negative Negative Positive |
M. tuberculosis infection unlikely M. tuberculosis infection unlikely M. tuberculosis infection likely |
|
>8.00 |
Any result |
Indeterminate |
This may be due to excessive levels of circulating gamma interferon or the presence of heterophile antibodies |
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TB Gold Quantiferon
Frequently Asked Questions about TB Gold Quantiferon
Q. How is the blood sample taken?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?
Q. How does it work?
Q. What is Latent TB infection?
Other tests
