QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (TB Test) $125.00
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The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (TB Test) analysis comprises a single test evaluating five distinct biomarkers.
Concise Synopsis:
The QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus examination is a blood-based test employed for the identification of tuberculosis (TB) infection. It operates on the fundamental premise of quantifying the immune system’s reaction to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB. This test is acknowledged as a contemporary substitute to the conventional tuberculin skin test (TST).
Frequently Used Synonyms:
- Tuberculosis Detection Test
- IGRA Test
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assay
- TB Examination
Type of Sample Needed:
Serum
Pre-Test Requirements:
No specific preparation needed
Appropriate Occasions and Rationale for Ordering a QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus Test
The QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus test is advisable under these circumstances:
Surveillance for Hidden TB Infection:
This test is predominantly utilized for the examination of individuals who might have encountered TB exposure, or who belong to high-risk categories of infection. This encompasses individuals in close contact with TB patients, healthcare professionals, and migrants from regions with a high prevalence of TB.
Establishing a Diagnosis of Active TB:
For individuals showcasing symptoms indicative of TB such as prolonged cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats, this test might be conducted to aid in confirming a diagnosis of active TB.
Exploring the Scope of the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus Test:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease triggered by the M. tuberculosis complex. Upon infection, it can lead to either an acute condition or manifest as Latent TB Infection (LTBI), a non-transmissible and symptom-free state. The pivotal aim of detecting LTBI lies in the consideration of preventive medical treatment to avert the progression to active disease. Historically, the tuberculin skin test stood as the sole diagnostic tool for LTBI.
The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test outperforms in accuracy by eliminating false-positive results stemming from BCG vaccination and most instances of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). It provides a precise, reproducible, and qualitative result without the occurrence of side effects or adverse reactions due to patient hypersensitivity.
Additionally, it sidesteps the “booster effect” seen in skin tests, where an initial test might falsely trigger a positive response upon re-testing. The test is convenient, negating the necessity for patients to return for result collection.
When it comes to TB testing, the blood test holds significant advantages over its skin counterpart. A single lab visit su\ices for blood testing, whereas skin testing demands multiple clinical appointments. Blood tests for Tuberculosis showcase higher accuracy levels compared to skin tests, which are more prone to false positives, particularly in individuals who have undergone TB vaccination.
Complementary Lab Assessments Alongside QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus Test:
Various additional laboratory evaluations may accompany the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus test, including:
Chest Radiography:
To further assess the potential presence of active TB disease or to spot any irregularities in the lungs, a chest X-ray is frequently administered in conjunction with the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus test.
Analysis and Culture of Sputum:
The examination of sputum samples using culture and microscopy methods is crucial for verifying the existence of TB bacteria, which helps confirm an active TB infection.
Situations and Health Conditions Warranting a QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus Test:
The QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus test finds its application chiefly in:
Surveillance of Latent TB Infection:
This test is pivotal for screening individuals who might have been in contact with TB or those who are more susceptible to the infection. This category includes people in close proximity to those with active TB, medical professionals, and individuals from areas where TB is prevalent.
Confirming Active TB:
When symptoms and other clinical signs point toward TB, this test plays a role in supporting the diagnosis of an active TB infection.