The Quantiferon TB Gold test measures interferon-gamma release to detect latent or active tuberculosis infection.
The Quantiferon TB Gold / Gamma Interferon test is a blood test used to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It works by measuring the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) from white blood cells in response to TB-specific antigens.
This test is particularly useful for identifying latent TB infection, where the bacteria are present in the body without causing active disease. It is also used as an alternative to the traditional tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test), especially in individuals who have received the BCG vaccine.
The purpose of this test is to