Infectious Tuberculosis Tests (Infectious Disease)

Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test and health information

Do you have a chronic cough that refuses to go away? Do you have a constant sensation of exhaustion?

TB is a possibility if this is the case. Get a TB test from Ulta Lab Tests to see if you're infected. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test from Ulta Lab Tests can be used to determine a tuberculosis infection. 

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a microorganism that causes tuberculosis (TB), an infectious illness. It mainly affects your lungs, but it may also damage other body parts, including your kidneys, spine, and brain. When someone with active TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes near others, it spreads via the air.

Fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss are some of the symptoms. After being exposed to someone with an active TB infection, you may not feel unwell for months or years until the disease produces significant health issues such as lung damage (pneumonia) or meningitis (inflammation of membranes covering the brain). The good news is that most people may be cured of this dangerous condition if they are diagnosed early enough before problems arise. 

Click here for additional information on Tuberculosis and TB Lab Testing. 

If you experience tuberculosis symptoms such as coughing up mucus, chest discomfort, fever, or night sweats, you should get tested straight once to check if you have an active case of the illness. Our tuberculosis blood tests are quick and straightforward to conduct. 

If you want to learn more about tuberculosis and the TB lab tests that can detect and help you, click on the title of the articles below.

The tuberculosis blood test is a quick and accurate blood test for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism that causes tuberculosis. It can tell you if you've been exposed to the bacteria or if you've been infected with it. This information can be utilized to diagnose persons who have caught the disease as well as those who are unaware they are afflicted but could benefit from treatment. If left untreated, tuberculosis can lead to major health complications such as meningitis, respiratory failure, and even death. When found early, however, the QuantiFERON TB gold plus test findings will suggest whether or not an individual should seek additional testing for tuberculosis infection so that necessary treatment may be performed soon. 

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

We understand that you're always on the move and that your time is valuable. That's why we provide an easy and straightforward option for you to get your lab tests completed - without having to go to the doctor's office! Place your order online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we'll provide you with a doctor's authorization to do your tests at a Quest Diagnostics site near you. Furthermore, our low costs are guaranteed, allowing you to save up to 90% on your lab tests. Our pleasant customer care team is always pleased to assist you if you have any questions or issues. So, what are you waiting for? Take control of your health right now! 

The QuantiFERON tb gold plus is a simple and effective blood test for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the TB-causing bacteria. Order yours from Ulta Lab Tests today and receive your results securely online. Choose your TB blood tests from the list below to take control of your health.


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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. 

 

Clinical Significance

T-SPOT®.TB - The T-SPOT®.TB test is an in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of effector T cells that respond to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and CFP 10 by capturing interferon gamma (IFN-g) in the vicinity of T cells in human whole blood collected in lithium heparin. It is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of M.tuberculosis infection. The T-SPOT®.TB test is an indirect test for M.tuberculosis infection (including disease) and is intended for use in conjunction with risk assessment, radiography and other medical and diagnostic evaluations.

Includes

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance on clinical considerations for tuberculosis (TB) testing such as T-SPOT®.TB in conjunction with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Please refer to the T-SPOT®.TB FAQ link under Test Resources for more detailed information on the latest CDC guidelines regarding TB testing and COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Reference Range(s)

 

T-SPOT.TB Negative

 

Alternative Name(s)

TSPOT, IGRA, TBSPOT, T-SPOT.TB, T SPOT, TB,TB T Spot, TB SPOT, TB blood test

 


What Is Tuberculosis? - Latent TB vs. Active TB Disease

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 million people worldwide fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) in 2019. It is one of the top 10 leading causes of death by a single virus or bacteria.

In the United States, tuberculosis is far less common than it is in other countries. But, regardless of where you are in the world, early diagnosis of tuberculosis is an important part of preventing fatal illness.

But what are the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis? And how do you get a TB test? What are the advantages of the TB blood test? What is the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus test?

Read on for all the answers you are looking for.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease that primarily impacts the lungs. It can also infect the bones, central nervous system, joints, and urinary tract. 

Latent TB vs. Active TB Disease

There is an important distinction to make between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. Active TB disease is what most people think of when they think of tuberculosis. It is when you have symptoms and are contagious.

90% of people infected with TB have a latent infection. Someone with LTBI has been infected with the TB bacteria, but their immune system has controlled the infection. They do not have any symptoms and they are not contagious.

LTBI can develop into an active TB disease if the immune system becomes suppressed at any point in the future.

Risk Factors for TB

Anyone who comes into contact with an individual with active TB disease that has not started treatment is at risk of contracting TB. However, certain risk factors make you more likely to become infected.

95% of tuberculosis infections and deaths in the world occur in developing countries. If you live in, were born in, or spend extended amounts of time in countries with a high prevalence of TB, you are at greater risk.

Other diseases that compromise the immune system, like HIV/AIDS, can significantly increase your risk of developing TB. Additionally, living or working in health care settings or in cramped conditions like in prisons, schools, homeless shelters, and military camps can increase risk.

Causes of TB

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The bacteria is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets in the air. These droplets can enter the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, spits, sneezes, laughs, or sings.

Though TB is highly infectious, most people are no longer contagious after they have received treatment for at least two weeks. For this reason, it is more likely that you will become infected by someone you live, work, or spend time with rather than a stranger.

Signs and Symptoms of TB

Symptoms of active TB disease may develop years after infection with the bacteria. Here are common symptoms of TB:

  • Cough that lasts for three or more weeks
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Pain when breathing and/or in the chest
  • Shortness of breath

If the TB is infecting other parts of your body, you might experience symptoms like pain in the infected area.

TB in the United States

In the United States, effective infection control means that active TB disease is now very rare. However, an estimated 10-15 million people in America are infected with TB.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with LTBI receive treatment. Treating LTBI helps to control the spread of TB in the United States.

However, certain populations that are at greater risk for developing a serious disease should be prioritized for receiving treatment.

Anyone with these conditions should seek immediate treatment for TB:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Injection drug users

Diagnosing TB

In the United States, most individuals will not need to undergo testing for TB unless they are at increased risk for contracting TB. There are two different TB tests: skin tests and blood tests.

For the tuberculin skin test (TST), a doctor or nurse injects a small amount of tuberculin into the skin on your forearm. After 48-72 hours, you have to return to the healthcare professional to have them measure the reaction on your skin.

Based on the size of the reaction on your skin, the healthcare professional will determine whether it's a positive or negative result.

Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), or TB blood tests, are another form of TB testing. With TB blood tests, a patient's blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

TB blood tests are preferred for individuals who have received the bacille Calmette–Guérin, or BCG vaccine. This vaccine can cause false positive results on the skin test, but not with blood tests.

If you receive a positive TST or positive TB blood test, you will need further testing to determine whether you have active TB disease or LTBI. Typically, this testing includes a chest X-ray to check for abnormalities in the lungs.

Why Choose the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus TB Blood Test?

QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus is one of only two TB blood tests in the United States approved by the FDA.

If you are looking for accuracy, Quantiferon TB Gold Plus is the best test for you. A false positive TB blood test is far less likely than a false positive TST.

Because the test is analyzed in a lab rather than by observing a skin reaction, TB blood tests do not require a second follow-up appointment. With simply one visit to the lab and no adverse side effects, the Quantiferon TB Gold blood test can give you accurate results.

Take a TB Test with Confidence Today

If you suspect you have been infected with tuberculosis, find peace of mind by testing for TB today with the QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus blood test. 

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

  • Secure and confidential results
  • No insurance referral is needed
  • Affordable pricing
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

There's no need to wait weeks for an appointment at your doctor's office, go back and forth from the doctor to the lab, or worry about scheduling a second appointment to get your TB test results.

Order your TB blood test today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.