Why Choose QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Over the Skin Test?
When it comes to tuberculosis (TB) testing, accuracy and convenience are crucial. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plustest, offered by Lab Test Solutions, is a modern, blood-based TB test that provides several key advantages over the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST).
1. Higher Accuracy and Reliability
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test boasts superior accuracy compared to the skin test. While the skin test can produce false positives, especially in individuals who have been vaccinated with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, the QuantiFERON test is not affected by prior vaccinations. This leads to fewer false results and more reliable outcomes.
2. One-Time Blood Test
Unlike the skin test, which requires two visits (one to administer the test and another to read the results), the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is a simple, single-visit blood draw. This convenience makes it ideal for busy individuals and employers needing quick, efficient testing without the hassle of multiple appointments.
3. No Subjectivity in Results
The results of the skin test rely on human interpretation, which can introduce subjectivity. Swelling and redness need to be measured to determine a positive or negative result. In contrast, QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus provides clear, lab-based results, eliminating the guesswork and reducing the risk of human error.
4. Faster Results
With QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus, results are typically available within 24-48 hours. This is much quicker compared to the skin test, where patients must wait 48-72 hours just to have their results read.
5. Better for Those with Compromised Immune Systems
For individuals with weakened immune systems or those at higher risk of TB, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test provides a more reliable assessment of TB infection. It’s also recommended for healthcare workers, travelers to high-risk areas, and people with latent TB infections.
Why Choose Lab Test Solutions for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Testing?
At Lab Test Solutions, we understand the importance of accurate and timely TB testing. That’s why we offer the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test through our extensive network of certified labs, ensuring you receive the highest quality service with fast, reliable results.
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Convenient Testing Locations: With over 3,000 testing centers nationwide, finding a location close to your home or workplace is easy and convenient.
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Certified Laboratories: We work exclusively with SAMHSA-certified labs to ensure every test meets the highest industry standards for accuracy and compliance.
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Exceptional Support: Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the process, from registration to receiving your results. We prioritize confidentiality and accuracy in all our services.
Choose Lab Test Solutions for your QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test and experience a more convenient, reliable, and efficient approach to TB testing. Contact us today to schedule your test or learn more about our comprehensive testing services.
How it works
A health care professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein and sends it to a lab for testing. The test detects the release of interferon-gamma from T cells that have been stimulated by peptide antigens from M. tuberculosis.
Results
A negative result indicates no TB infection, but a negative test should be repeated if there's a high suspicion of exposure. A positive result indicates an infection, but it could also be due to exposure to other bacteria.
Alternatives
The QFT is an alternative to the tuberculin skin test (TST). It's a controlled lab test that doesn't require multiple visits and isn't affected by previous BCG vaccinations.
What are the advantages of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus over TST?
- Results are not subject to reader bias
- Accuracy is not affected by prior BCG vaccination
- Requires only 1 patient visit (2-4 required for TST)
- Reduced staff time and avoidance of unnecessary follow-up, additional treatment, and treatment due to false-positive TST results2
