Quantiferon TB Gold®

Quantiferon TB Gold® test is a screening test for Tuberculosis. It is a type of IGRA test (Interferon Gamma Release Assay). The test measures the cell-mediated responses to antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Quantiferon testing was FDA approved in 2001. The test involves having a blood sample taken and sending the specimen to the lab for analysis.

The Quantiferon test can be used as an alternative to either a one step or two step Tuberculosis skin test. Like a TB skin test, the Quantiferon does not distinguish between active or inactive TB. The most recent guidelines from the CDC recommend Quantiferon in most situations.

Tuberculosis screening is often required for health care workers, students, immigration medical exams, international travelers and other people who may be at risk. Sometimes, the tuberculosis skin test is inconvenient due to the need to return in 48-72 hours to have the injection site checked.

Like TB skin testing, live vaccines may interfere with the Quantiferon test results. The CDC recommends the Quantiferon be given either on the same day as live-virus vaccines or at least 4 weeks after live vaccines. Live-virus vaccines include MMR, Varicella, Shingles, Yellow Fever, Smallpox and Intranasal Influenza

Advantages of the Quantiferon TB Gold® include:

  • Not needing to return for the test results like the TB skin test which requires 2 visits (we can send the results to you, your school or work)
  • BCG vaccine will not cause a false positive in Quantiferon test as it sometimes does with a TB Skin test
  • Results are usually available in 3-5 business days
  • Can be used in all circumstances in which a TB Skin test is recommended

Limitations of the Quantiferon TB Gold® include:

  • Not recommended in children 5 years old
  • Limited data on immunocompromised individuals
  • Persons very recently exposed to TB

After Testing

Results will be reported as:
  1. Negative (Normal)
  2. Indeterminate (the test was unable to determine a result of negative or positive and the test should be repeated with a new blood sample)
  3. Positive (Abnormal)

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis infection and decisions about personal or public health should be based on other clinical information as well as Quantiferon results.

If you have a positive Quantiferon result, you should be evaluated for the likelihood of progression to active Tuberculosis by either the public health Tuberculosis Clinic or your Primary Care Provider and a Chest x-ray.

TB Skin Testing

A TB skin test is used to determine if a person already has immunity to the Tuberculosis bacteria. This can occur if someone has TB, if they were exposed to TB in the past, or if they received the BCG vaccine. A liquid is injected in the top layers of skin on the forearm, and the injection site is checked 48-72 hours later for a specific reaction.

Read More About TB Skin Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is a blood test that detects infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB). It measures the immune system

Unlike the tuberculin skin test (TST), which requires two visits, the QuantiFERON test needs only one. It's not affected by prior BCG vaccination and provides objective, lab-based results, reducing the chances of false positives and reader bias.

Individuals at increased risk for TB infection, including:

  • Healthcare workers
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Those who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB
  • Individuals from or who have traveled to countries with high TB prevalence
  • Students or employees requiring TB clearance for school or work

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. No special preparation is needed before the test.

Results are typically available within 3–5 business days. e7 Health will notify you once your results are ready and provide any necessary follow-up recommendations.

The QuantiFERON test can detect TB infection but cannot differentiate between latent and active TB. If your result is positive, additional evaluations, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test, may be required to determine the type of infection.

Yes, the QuantiFERON test is safe for pregnant individuals. It's a blood test and does not pose any known risks to the mother or the fetus.

No, the QuantiFERON test is not influenced by prior Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, making it a preferred method for individuals who have received this vaccine.

You can schedule an appointment online through our booking portal or call us at (702) 800-2723. We offer convenient appointment times to fit your schedule.

Yes, upon completion of your test, we provide all necessary documentation to meet employment, school, or other organizational requirements.

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Very friendly and super helpful with any questions I had. Very clean and calm atmosphere, all the staff were kind.

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I came to E7 health for a physical exam for employment. Staff was very professional, And I was in and out in thirty minutes

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Staff was extremely friendly, I was able to walk in without an appointment.

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Very friendly, informative, and well versed. Felt well taken care of by the doctor and all the staff. Fast, friendly, considerate, all staff met.

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I was here for an employment physical. They are amazing! I was in and out in less than 10 mins.

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J was super helpful. Very quick and easy.

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Rachel was amazing and I was in and out so quick ! Ready to start my new job ! Thanks 🥰

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J was awesome at talking me through my first time getting blood taken. The doctor that also did my physical was quick and very thorough when letting me know the next steps for getting the test results back :)

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