TB Gold/Gamma Interferon (TB Platinum Quantiferon) Test

The Tuberculosis (TB) screening test, also known as QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT-G) or TB Platinum QuantiFERON® is used for screening tuberculosis. This test can be done when you have a high risk of exposure to TB. TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily targets the lungs but may affect any area of the body such as the urinary tract, central nervous system, bones, joints, and/or other organs. The screening test measures the body's immune response to antigens derived from these bacteria.

It is recommended that you should either wear a sleeve-less or a short-sleeved shirt. Wearing a shirt with full- sleeves that can easily be rolled-up is also fine. There is no need to disturb your diet routine before the TB test. You can eat and drink normally. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing the test. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.

As mentioned above, the Tuberculosis (TB) screening test is used to screen people who are at high risk for TB exposure. It can be concluded from the test reports that: A positive result forms a red and swollen circle at the site of the injection. The size (diameter) of the swollen raised circle determines whether exposure to TB has occurred. A positive TST or IGRA test result means that the person is likely to have been exposed to TB. It may be due to a latent or active TB infection. A negative result for either test means that it is likely that the person tested does not have a TB infection.

The TB test includes the following procedures: A health practitioner wipes the inner forearm with alcohol and let the skin dry. Using a 1cc syringe and a tiny needle, the practitioner injects a small amount of PPD solution just under the first layer of the skin. The injection forms a small bubble of fluid that looks like a blister. The skin is examined by the practitioner at 48 and/or 72 hours to see if a local skin reaction has occurred.