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North West London Pathology > Tests > TB QuantiFERON – TB Gold (Interferon gamma release assay) IGRA

TB QuantiFERON – TB Gold (Interferon gamma release assay) IGRA

Category Immunology
Test background

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is used to aid in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, it cannot differentiate between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and tuberculosis (TB) disease.

This assay detects IFNγ release from plasma following whole blood incubation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis specific antigens ESAT-6 and CFP-10.

In addition to the current testing platform (ELISA), the lab has introduced a new platform (chemiluminescence) for testing samples which is not currently accredited.

See also TB ELISpot.
Clinical Indications

Suspected latent TB
Screening for latent TB before administration of certain biologics (e.g. anti-TNF drugs)

Sample & container required 2 x 6 mL Lithium heparin (green top). Samples must be received in the laboratory (Charing Cross) by 16:30 Monday to Friday for the test to be performed. Samples must be < 24 hours old on receipt in the lab.
Sample volume See above
Turnaround time 7 days
Notes

In addition to the current testing platform (DS2),  the lab has introduced a new platform (DiaSorin, Liaison) for testing Quantiferon samples which is not currently accredited.