Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is  a blood test used in identifying infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis (TB).QuantiFERON-TB Gold+ testing can be performed during a single visit and does not require a second interpretation visit, as with tuberculin skin testing. The results of QuantiFERON-TB Gold+ testing are objective, do not require training to interpret, and are not subject to variability in reading methods

The TB skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin on the lower part of the arm. A person given the tuberculin skin test must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm

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.