QuantiFERON Test
The QuantiFERON Test is a blood test used to detect infection with the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). It measures the immune response to specific TB proteins, helping to identify whether a person has been exposed to the bacteria. This test is particularly useful for individuals who may not show symptoms of TB but are at risk of infection.
Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test, the QuantiFERON Test does not require a follow-up visit to read results. It is more specific and less likely to give false-positive results, especially in people who have had the BCG vaccine or have been exposed to non-tuberculous mycobacteria.