The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
The Tuberculosis (TB) Test test contains 1 test with 5 biomarkers.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test - The QuantiFERON-TB Blood Test is used to aid in the diagnosis of both latent and active infections with the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis (TB). This test has been updated to offer the Quantiferon Gold Plus, which has the same high level of specificity as the previous generation of testing, along with an increased sensitivity of 94%. This test is one of only 2 blood tests for TB approved by the FDA. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs. TB Bacteria is spread through the air from one person to another. While TB is not as common in the United States as it once was, there is the still a risk posed by TB infection. It is estimated that 11 million people in the US have a latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI).
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®-TB gold eliminates false positive skin tests due to BCG vaccination and most Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and is an objective, reproducible qualitative test. There are no side effects or adverse reactions due to patient hypersensitivity, and no "booster effect", whereby the first test induces a false positive response on re-testing. There is no need for follow-up patient visits to obtain test results.
The TB blood test has several advantages over a skin test. Blood testing requires only one visit to the lab, while skin testing requires multiple visits to a doctor's office. Blood testing for Tuberculosis is typically more accurate than a skin test. Skin testing has a higher likelihood of false positive results, especially if a person has been previously vaccinated for TB.