Quantiferon®-TB Gold Plus (Interferon Gamma Release Assay)

Understanding Quantiferon®-TB Gold Plus (Interferon Gamma Release Assay)

Tuberculosis is an infection that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. An active TB infection occurs when the affected individual is experiencing TB symptoms. However, latent infection is when the TB organism is present in the individual’s body, but there are no symptoms. People with latent TB infection are not infectious and cannot spread the infection to others. However, if left untreated, this individual may develop an active infection in the future a...

What does Quantiferon®-TB Gold Plus (Interferon Gamma Release Assay) measure?

The Quantiferon®-TB Gold Plus (Interferon Gamma Release Assay) is a fourth-generation assay that helps detect either a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or an active tuberculosis (TB) disease. This test is suggested if there are symptoms of TB, such as persistent cough, fever, and sudden weight loss. It is particularly valuable for individuals who have had recent exposure to TB, healthcare workers, and those with a higher risk of TB infection.