The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is an interferon (IFN)-gamma release assay (IGRA), which assesses the cell-mediated immune response to 2 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex antigens, ESAT-6 and CFP-10, by measuring IFN-gamma levels in plasma. These 2 proteins are absent from all BCG strains and from most nontuberculosis mycobacteria with the exception of M kansasii, M szulgai and M marinum. Individuals infected with M tuberculosis complex agents, including M tuberculosis, M bovis, M africanum, M microti, M caprae, and M canetti, usually have lymphocytes in their blood that recognize these specific antigens and this recognition leads to the generation and secretion of IFN-gamma. This cytokine is subsequently detected and quantified using an IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by infection with M. tuberculosis complex. Infection results in either acute disease or Latent TB Infection (LTBI), a non-communicable asymptomatic condition. The main purpose of diagnosing the latent stage is to consider medical treatment for preventing overt disease. Until recently, the tuberculin skin test was the only available method for diagnosing LTBI. QuantiFERON
No special preparation is needed for TB Gold Test. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing TB Gold Test. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
UNISEX | All age groups | > 0.35IU/ml is positive |