TB and QuantiFERON Tests (Immunity & Titer)

TB Blood Testing and health information

Do you have a cough that won’t go away? Are you feeling tired all the time? - Order a TB blood test to identify a tuberculosis infection with the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test from Ulta Lab Tests.

If so, it could be tuberculosis. TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects your lungs but can also affect other parts of your body, such as your kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes around others who are nearby. Symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss. You may not feel sick for months or years after being exposed to someone with active TB infection until the disease causes serious health problems like lung damage (pneumonia) or meningitis (inflammation of membranes covering the brain). The good news is that if found early enough before these complications occur, treatment can cure most people of this deadly disease!

If you want to learn more about Tuberculosis and TB Lab Testing, click here.

If you have symptoms of tuberculosis like coughing up mucus, chest pain, fever, or night sweats, you should get tested right away to see if you have an active case of TB disease. Our TB blood tests are quick and easy to complete

The TB blood test is a simple and very effective blood test that aids in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It can help determine if someone has been exposed to the bacterium or whether they are infected with it. This information can be used to diagnose people who may have contracted this disease and those who may not yet know they are infected but could benefit from treatment. TB can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including meningitis, respiratory failure, and even death. However, when detected early on, using the QuantiFERON tb gold plus test results will indicate whether or not an individual should seek further testing for TB infection so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken quickly.

The QuantiFERON TB gold plus from Quest Diagnostics is the tuberculosis blood test of choice at Ulta Lab Tests for detecting tuberculosis infection.

We know that you're constantly on the go and that your time is precious. That's why we offer an easy and convenient way for you to get your lab tests done - without having to visit a doctor's office! Just order online 24/7, and we'll provide you with authorization from a doctor to take your tests at a nearby Quest Diagnostics location. Plus, our low prices are guaranteed, so you can save up to 90% on your lab tests. And if you have any questions or concerns, our friendly customer service team is always happy to help. So why wait? Take charge of your health today!

Take control of your health by ordering your TB blood tests from the list below.


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NOTE 3/15/23 - Several Quest Diagnostics Labs are running behind in processing the TB tests by 3 to 7 business days.

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 test 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. 

 

NOTE 3/15/23 - Several Quest Diagnostics Labs are running behind in processing the TB tests by 3 to 7 business days.

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. 

 

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Description: RF is a blood test that is measures the amount of rheumatoid factor that is present in the blood’s serum. It is used along with other tests to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

Also Known As: RF Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Test

Collection Method: Blood Draws

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Rheumatoid Factor test ordered?

When a person has RA signs and symptoms, an RF test may be ordered. Pain, warmth, swelling, and morning stiffness in the joints are common symptoms, as are nodules under the skin and, if the disease has progressed, signs of enlarged joint capsules and cartilage and bone loss on X-rays. When the first RF test is negative but the symptoms persist, the RF test may be repeated.

A cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody test may be ordered along with RF or if the RF result is negative to help diagnose RA in someone who has joint inflammation but does not yet fit the criteria for RA.

Additional autoimmune-related tests, such as an ANA, as well as other markers of inflammation, such as a CRP and Sed Rate, as well as a CBC to examine blood cells, may be ordered in addition to the RF test.

What does a Rheumatoid Factor blood test check for?

The autoantibody rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin M protein produced by the body's immune system. Autoantibodies attack a person's own tissues, mistaking them for "foreign" tissue. While the biological role of RF is unknown, its presence can be used to detect inflammatory and autoimmune activities. This test identifies and quantifies radiofrequency in the bloodstream.

The RF test is an important tool in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. A RF test will be positive in about 80% of people with RA. RF, on the other hand, can be found in persons with a range of different illnesses, including as Sjögren syndrome, as well as persistent bacterial, viral, and parasite infections, and some malignancies. It can be noticed in patients who have lung, liver, or kidney disease, and it can also be detected in a tiny percentage of healthy persons.

Lab tests often ordered with a Rheumatoid Factor test:

  • Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody
  • ANA
  • Sed Rate
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Immunoglobulins

Conditions where a Rheumatoid Factor test is recommended:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Autoimmune Disorders

How does my health care provider use a Rheumatoid Factor test?

The rheumatoid factor test is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and to distinguish it from other types of arthritis or diseases that generate similar symptoms.

While the clinical picture is critical in the diagnosis of RA, some signs and symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease, may not be present or follow a predictable pattern. Additionally, the signs and symptoms may not always be easy to distinguish because people with RA may also have other connective tissue disorders such Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma, autoimmune thyroid problems, and systemic lupus erythematosus and present symptoms of these disorders. When RA is suspected, the RF test is one of several tools that can be used to aid determine a diagnosis.

What do my Rheumatoid Factor test results mean?

The results of the RF test must be interpreted in the context of a person's symptoms and medical history.

The presence of large amounts of RF in persons with symptoms and clinical indications of rheumatoid arthritis indicates that they are likely to develop RA. Higher RF levels are associated with a worse prognosis and more severe illness.

A negative RF test does not rule out the possibility of RA. Around 20% of persons with RA will have very low levels of RF or none at all. In these circumstances, a positive CCP antibody test can be utilized to confirm RA.

Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, scleroderma, infectious mononucleosis, cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, or disease of the liver, lung, or kidney may all produce positive RF test These other disorders are neither diagnosed or monitored with the RF test.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Rheumatoid Factor (IgA, IgG, IgM) 

Reference Range(s)

  • Rhematoid Factor (IgA)
    • ≤6 Negative
    • >6 Positive
  • Rhematoid Factor (IgG)
    • ≤6 Negative
    • >6 Positive
  • Rhematoid Factor (IgM)
    • ≤6 Negative
    • >6 Positive
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Rheumatoid factor is commonly used as a blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. However, rheumatoid factor can also be present in individuals with other conditions such as lupus, infectious hepatitis, syphilis, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, liver disease, and sarcoidosis. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is detectable in the blood of 80% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid can be detected in the blood of normal individuals and of those with other autoimmune diseases that are not rheumatoid arthritis. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, high levels of rheumatoid factor can indicate a tendency toward more aggressive disease and/or a tendency to develop rheumatoid nodules and rheumatoid lung disease. Rheumatoid factor is actually an antibody that can bind to other antibodies. Antibodies are normal proteins in our blood that are important parts of our immune system. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is not usually present in the normal individual. Rheumatoid factor is commonly used as a blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in about 80% of adults (but a much lower proportion of children) with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Description: Rheumatoid Factor IgG is a blood test that measures the amount of rheumatoid factor IgG antibodies that are present in the blood’s serum.

Also Known As: RF Antibody Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Antibody Test, RF IgG Test, RF IgG Antibody Test, Rheumatoid Factor IgG Antibody Test

Collection Method: Blood Draws

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Rheumatoid Factor IgG test ordered?

When a person has RA signs and symptoms, an RF test may be ordered. Pain, warmth, swelling, and morning stiffness in the joints are common symptoms, as are nodules under the skin and, if the disease has progressed, signs of enlarged joint capsules and cartilage and bone loss on X-rays. When the first RF test is negative but the symptoms persist, the RF test may be repeated.

A cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody test may be ordered along with RF or if the RF result is negative to help diagnose RA in someone who has joint inflammation but does not yet fit the criteria for RA.

Additional autoimmune-related tests, such as an ANA, as well as other markers of inflammation, such as a CRP and Sed Rate, as well as a CBC to examine blood cells, may be ordered in addition to the RF test.

What does a Rheumatoid Factor IgG blood test check for?

The autoantibody rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin M protein produced by the body's immune system. Autoantibodies attack a person's own tissues, mistaking them for "foreign" tissue. While the biological role of RF is unknown, its presence can be used to detect inflammatory and autoimmune activities. This test identifies and quantifies radiofrequency in the bloodstream.

The RF test is an important tool in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. A RF test will be positive in about 80% of people with RA. RF, on the other hand, can be found in persons with a range of different illnesses, including as Sjögren syndrome, as well as persistent bacterial, viral, and parasite infections, and some malignancies. It can be noticed in patients who have lung, liver, or kidney disease, and it can also be detected in a tiny percentage of healthy persons.

Lab tests often ordered with a Rheumatoid Factor IgG test:

  • Rheumatoid Factor IgM
  • Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody
  • ANA
  • Sed Rate
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Immunoglobulins

Conditions where a Rheumatoid Factor IgG test is recommended:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Autoimmune Disorders

How does my health care provider use a Rheumatoid Factor IgG test?

The rheumatoid factor test is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and to distinguish it from other types of arthritis or diseases that generate similar symptoms.

While the clinical picture is critical in the diagnosis of RA, some signs and symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease, may not be present or follow a predictable pattern. Additionally, the signs and symptoms may not always be easy to distinguish because people with RA may also have other connective tissue disorders such Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma, autoimmune thyroid problems, and systemic lupus erythematosus and present symptoms of these disorders. When RA is suspected, the RF test is one of several tools that can be used to aid determine a diagnosis.

What do my Rheumatoid Factor test results mean?

The results of the RF test must be interpreted in the context of a person's symptoms and medical history.

The presence of large amounts of RF in persons with symptoms and clinical indications of rheumatoid arthritis indicates that they are likely to develop RA. Higher RF levels are associated with a worse prognosis and more severe illness.

A negative RF test does not rule out the possibility of RA. Around 20% of persons with RA will have very low levels of RF or none at all. In these circumstances, a positive CCP antibody test can be utilized to confirm RA.

Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, scleroderma, infectious mononucleosis, cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, or disease of the liver, lung, or kidney may all produce positive RF test These other disorders are neither diagnosed or monitored with the RF test.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.


Learn About Tuberculosis and TB Lab Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and is a highly infectious disease. The bacteria primarily target the lungs but can affect other areas of the body, such as the central nervous system, urinary tract, bones, joints, and other bodily organs. A blood test called the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) measures the immune response to antigens that are derived from the bacteria in order to screen for TB.

TB may either result in an active, progressive disease or inactive (latent) infection. In about 90% of people who have been infected, the immune system can control the spread of the disease and restrict it to just a few cells in the body. While the bacteria in these cells are inactive, they are still alive. This is referred to as an inactive or latent TB infection, and the person will present with none of the symptoms of TB and cannot transmit the disease.

However, should the immune system become compromised or weakened for any reason, the bacteria may become active, causing the mycobacterium to start growing again. This will result in TB that becomes symptomatic of the illness and is infectious, which means that it can be transmitted to others via respiratory secretions such as moisture, aerosols, and sputum that are expelled from the body when coughing, sneezing, breathing, talking, laughing or singing.

Although the IGRA blood test can accurately detect Tuberculosis, it is unable to differentiate between latent or inactive TB and active infections. Additional testing may be required to make this distinction, such as the AFB test for TB infections.

The QuantiFERON® (QFT-Plus) TB Gold Plus, formally known as the IGRA TB Test or Interferon Gamma Release Assay.

This test is not commonly used to screen general population groups but rather to test individuals who present with high-risk factors for TB, including:

  • Diseases that compromise the immune system like HIV and AIDS, which places them at a higher risk of contracting an active TB infection.
  • Cramped living conditions like prisons, schools, migration camps, homeless shelters, etc. that increase exposure and vulnerability to the disease.
  • People working in healthcare or other occupations that may expose them to carriers of active TB.
  • Any person who has come into close contact with a person/s who have a confirmed case of active TB.
  • People who have traveled to live in or spent extended periods in foreign countries or areas where TB is prevalent.
  • People who inject illegal substances or drugs.

The IGRA test has become the preferred means if diagnosing TB, but the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) may still be performed to screen for TB.

The IGRA test uses a blood sample to measure the amount of gamma interferon that is released by blood cells when they are exposed to TB antigens. Select laboratories only perform the test as viable white blood cells are required for accurate testing, which must be tested within a specified time frame.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in conjunction with the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society has compiled a list of recommendations for preferred IGRA testing if:

  • A person is not likely to return for their TST to be evaluated.
  • A person is five years of age or younger.
  • Has a high probability of being infected with latent TB.
  • Has little to no risk of becoming immuno-compromised, resulting in the development of an active TB infection.
  • There is evidence that warrants a Latent Tuberculosis Infection Test.
  • If the person has received the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, which could interfere with the TST interpretation and results. BCG is not commonly administered in the U.S.A. unless for the treatment of some forms of cancer. It is, however, used in countries that do have a high prevalence of TB.
  • If the IGRA test is unavailable or when the TST test is determined to be a more suitable option due to cost or other extenuating circumstances.

Under the following circumstances, these agencies do NOT recommend testing for Tuberculosis in those who are unlikely to be infected, people who are at low risk of contracting the disease, or where the disease is not progressing.

If latent TB testing is a requirement for any reason, such as for employment or legal reasons, the following is suggested:

  • IGRA testing for those who are five years and older.
  • A second test (either IGRA or TST) to confirm a positive result from the first test. Only if both tests are positive can the person be positively diagnosed with TB.

In addition, IGRA testing can be ordered:

  • Annually for persons at high risk either because they have the disease and are prone to a weakened immune system or because they live and/or workaround others that are at high risk.
  • Before a person joins a group or population that is at high risk like healthcare workers.
  • When a person has been exposed to a person with an active infection. This test should only be administered a few weeks after exposure. It can take about six weeks from the time of exposure and initial infection before a positive result can be detected in the blood.
  • A person who has lived for an extended period in a country where TB is prevalent.
  • A person who presents signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, including chronic cough producing sputum or phlegm that may contain bloody streaks, fever, chills, night sweats, and inexplicable weight loss.

Understanding the TB Test Results

If the IGRA test result is positive, it means that the person has been exposed to TB and that they may have either an active TB infection or a latent TB infection. If there is any suspicion that the infection may be active, the healthcare practitioner must take a full medical history, provide a thorough medical examination and perform any other relevant tests such as a chest x-ray, AFB laboratory testing, and any other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

If the IGRA test result is negative, it is unlikely that the person has been infected with Tuberculosis. However, there is still a possibility that a TB infection may be present. The test may have been performed too early after exposure or infection to detect the infection. A person should only be tested about six weeks after possible exposure or infection in order to get a positive reaction from the IGRA test. If there is still a suspicion that a person may have contracted TB even though the IGRA result was negative, the healthcare practitioner should perform a second IGRA test later or confirm with the alternative TST test.

The IGRA test may provide a false-positive result in rare cases, especially due to exposure to the Mycobacterium species Mycobacterium Kansasii. If there is a concern of a false-positive result, chest x-rays and other tests must be performed to rule out a TB infection. If active TB is suspected, smears, cultures and sensitivity testing as part of the AFB test should be used to confirm a diagnosis as well as the susceptibility to drugs of the strain of Mycobacterium causing the infection.

Pregnant women who are at high risk may be required to be screened for Tuberculosis as the disease is transmittable from mother to child during pregnancy. Both TST and IGRA are safe for TB testing during pregnancy.