QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus

As per WHO, one-third of the world population has been infected with Tuberculosis. The TB Gold Test, also known as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, is a blood test that helps your healthcare provider diagnose or assess your potential risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is a type of interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) that helps your healthcare provider determine whether you have been exposed to the TB-causing bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), the TB Gold test is a blood-based assay that measures your body's immune response to TB-specific antigens.

The QuantiFERON Gold test is designed to detect the presence of TB infection. It works by stimulating your white blood cells with TB-specific antigens and measuring the amount of interferon-gamma released in response. The QuantiFERON TB test is considered more specific and less affected by previous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination or non-TB mycobacterial infections compared to the traditional tuberculin skin test.

Learn everything about QuantiFERON TB gold Test before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

Why Do I Need  QuantiFERON TB Gold Test?

Your healthcare provider will recommend you opt for a QuantiFERON TB Gold Test for reasons, such as:

1. Exposure to TB: If you've been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB disease and exhibiting signs of cough, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, acute fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. 
2. Travel or Immigration: Some countries mandate TB screening, and you will need to undergo the QuantiFERON TB Gold test if you are planning on visiting those countries.
3. Healthcare Workers: Healthcare professionals who are at a higher risk of TB exposure.
4. Immunosuppression: If you have conditions or medications that weaken your immune system, increasing your risk of TB.
5. Contact Investigation: Part of a contact investigation when a TB case is identified.
6. Evaluation of Symptoms: In cases of TB symptoms, the test can help diagnose latent TB infection or active TB disease.

You've received your QuantiFERON TB Gold Test results, but you may still need assistance interpreting whether they fall within the expected range. Continue reading this section to gain clarity on the interpretation of your QuantiFERON TB Gold Test results.

What Does QuantiFERON TB Gold Test Results Mean?

The interpretation of QuantiFERON TB Gold test results can be divided into three categories: 

1. Positive: A positive result of the TB gold blood test indicates that you have been infected with TB bacteria. This could be latent TB infection or active TB disease. Your healthcare provider will recommend additional diagnostic measures, such as a chest X-ray and clinical assessment, to determine the nature of the infection and arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.
2. Negative: A negative result suggests that TB infection is unlikely. However, it does not rule out recent TB exposure, as it may take several weeks for your immune system to respond to the infection. 
3. Indeterminate: An indeterminate result occurs when the test cannot be reliably interpreted due to technical issues or a weak response from your immune system. In such cases, repeat testing may be necessary.

What is QuantiFERON TB Gold Test Normal Range?

The QuantiFERON TB Gold test doesn't have a "normal range", as the results are typically reported as positive, negative, or indeterminate, as mentioned earlier. There are no specific numeric values or reference ranges used to interpret this test.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause High QuantiFERON TB Gold Levels?

High QuantiFERON TB Gold levels are primarily associated with TB infection. Other conditions that may result in your elevated levels include:

• Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) 
• Non-TB mycobacterial infections

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low QuantiFERON TB Gold Levels?

Low QuantiFERON TB Gold levels are typically seen in individuals who have not been exposed to TB or who have weak immune responses, such as those with advanced HIV infection or immunosuppressive medications. It's essential to consider the clinical context and individual health status when interpreting low results.

Go for a QuantiFERON TB gold test or a QuantiFERON TB gold plus test as recommended by your healthcare provider.

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Disclaimer: Although we have endeavoured to provide accurate information on this page, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from your doctor before relying on any of the test ranges or lab-test recommendations mentioned herein.