Quantiferon, or Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), is a blood test used to help diagnose tuberculosis (TB). It works by measuring the immune response to TB bacteria in the blood. When your body is exposed to TB bacteria, your immune cells release a substance called interferon-gamma. This test is often used when standard TB tests, like the skin test, could give false-positive results.
Tuberculosis is a serious, contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can spread and affect other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While TB is curable and preventable, it can be deadly if left untreated.
A TB Gamma Interferon - Quantiferon test is a blood test that helps diagnose tuberculosis. It measures the immune response to TB bacteria in your blood.
This test is recommended if you have symptoms of tuberculosis, you have been in close contact with someone with active tuberculosis, or you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system. It is also used when traditional TB tests may give false results.
The TB Gamma Interferon - Quantiferon test can help detect latent or active TB infection. Early detection of TB is crucial to prevent its spread and to start treatment as soon as possible.
The test involves taking a blood sample, which will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Unlike the TB skin test, which involves injecting a substance into the skin and checking for a reaction 48 to 72 hours later, the Quantiferon test requires only one patient visit and gives results within 24 to 48 hours. It's also less likely to give false-positive results due to BCG vaccination.
No, fasting is not required for this test.
A positive result suggests that you have been infected with the TB bacteria. It does not tell whether the infection is latent or active. Additional tests will be needed to confirm active TB disease. A negative result generally means you are not infected.
Recent infection with TB, very old TB infection, or a very low amount of TB bacteria in the body may cause a false-negative result. Also, some diseases can cause a false-positive result.
No, this test requires a blood sample to be drawn by a healthcare professional, and the analysis must be done in a laboratory.
If you get a positive result, your doctor will likely order more tests to determine if you have latent or active TB disease. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions to prevent the spread of the disease and start treatment.
This test should be done if you have symptoms suggestive of TB, or if you've been in contact with someone with TB. Your doctor will advise on the frequency depending on your health and risk factors.
A positive result indicates that you've been infected with TB bacteria. However, it doesn't distinguish between latent TB infection and active TB disease. More tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
No, the Quantiferon test can't detect drug-resistant TB. If you are diagnosed with TB, further tests will be required to determine if the TB bacteria are resistant to any antibiotics.
The Quantiferon test and the TB skin test are both used to detect TB infection. However, the Quantiferon test may be more accurate and is less likely to give a false-positive result due to BCG vaccination.
Yes, TB is curable with a course of antibiotics that usually lasts 6 to 9 months. The specific medications and length of treatment will depend on whether you have latent TB infection or active TB disease, your age and overall health, and whether the TB bacteria are resistant to any antibiotics.
Preventing TB involves avoiding close contact with people who have the disease, practicing good hygiene such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and getting vaccinated with the BCG vaccine, which can prevent severe TB in children.
Yes, the Quantiferon test can be used in children over the age of two years. However, it may not be as accurate in children under five years of age.
Unlike the TB skin test, BCG vaccination does not cause a false-positive result with the Quantiferon test.
The cost of the test may vary depending on the laboratory. Please contact the healthcare provider for the exact price.
The Quantiferon test can be done at hospitals, medical centers, and laboratories that provide diagnostic services. It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for further information.