TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test
Test Overview
| Sample Type | Blood |
| Reports Delivery | 48 Hrs |
| Price/Cost | ₹3850 |
| Number of Tests Included | 4 |
What is a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test?
The TB Gold (Quantiferon) test, also known as gamma interferon for TB test, is a medical laboratory examination specifically designed to detect latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is a reliable method to detect TB and is critical in diagnosing this health condition. It's, however, important to understand that this test doesn't diagnose active TB disease; rather, it identifies individuals who have been infected.
The top TB Gold (Quantiferon) tests are available in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Chennai.
TB is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other body parts. It's caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is transmitted from person to person through airborne particles.
The chief purpose of the TB Gold test is the early detection of TB infection. This is crucial since quick diagnosis leads to effective treatment, hence preventing further spread of this potentially serious disease. This precise lab examination differs from the traditional skin test as it requires just one patient visit and offers more accurate results. The normal range for a TB Gold test result depends on several factors but generally, a negative result is typically considered normal. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your health history and symptoms.
Understanding tests like these can help you make informed decisions about your health. Stay vigilant about your health and ensure regular check-ups with your family physician.
What is the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Price?
The price of this significant test can vary considerably based on several factors. The following are a few factors that affect the Quantiferon TB Gold test price:
- City-Based Variance: The TB Gold test price can differ from city to city. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata where the demand and the cost of living are higher, the price tends to be on the higher side as compared to smaller towns and rural areas. You can also check the price across cities to get a better understanding of these variations.
- Demand Factor: The demand for the TB Gold lab test plays an influential role in determining its price. During peak seasons when incidences of TB tend to spike, you might notice a surge in prices due to increased demand.
- Comprehensive Add-Ons: The total price can also increase if your doctor recommends comprehensive add-ons or additional tests along with the Quantiferon TB Gold test. These additional investigations may help in establishing a more accurate diagnosis. Also, extra services like post-test consultation with a doctor, home sample collection, and quick report generation could affect the TB Gold test price.
- Laboratory Quality: High-quality laboratories that use sophisticated technology and have experienced staff may charge more for the Quantiferon TB Gold test as compared to smaller labs. This quality assurance does come with a certain premium but ensures accurate results.
- Discounts and Promotions: Many diagnostic centres offer discounts or promotional packages that include the TB Gold test, especially during public health awareness weeks or months. These offers can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenditure.
Apollo 24|7's Quantiferon TB Gold test price is extremely competitive and offers complete value for money. Please remember that while price is an essential factor, it should not compromise the quality of testing. After all, efficient diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment! Ensure you choose a reliable laboratory for your TB Gold test to ascertain the most accurate results.
What is the Purpose of the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test?
Understanding the purpose of a medical test can provide you with peace of mind. It can help you engage with your doctor better and make informed decisions about your health. That being said, let's learn about the TB Gold test purpose.
- Early Detection: The TB Gold test can help in detecting latent TB infection. This means you have the bacteria in your body, but it’s not causing symptoms yet. Catching the disease in this phase can prevent its progression and transmission to others.
- Differentiating between Vaccine and Infection: In India, we receive a BCG vaccine as infants which protects us against severe forms of TB mostly seen in children. The conventional skin test could show a false-positive result due to this vaccination. The TB Gold test helps distinguish between an actual infection and acquired immunity from the vaccine.
- Monitoring Response to Treatment: The TB Gold test can also be used during treatment to evaluate how well your body is responding to medication.
- Safety: The test doesn't involve injections into the skin like traditional tests, making it less invasive and more comfortable.
- Immigration Purposes: Many countries require evidence of a negative TB test for immigrants and refugees from high-risk regions.
Who Should Get a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Done?
Here's a list of indicators that may suggest it’s time for you to take the test:
- People with Symptoms of TB: If you have been experiencing symptoms such as a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, regular fever, night sweats, or blood in your sputum, your doctor may recommend the TB Gold lab test. These are typical signs of TB that require immediate attention.
- Healthcare Workers: Doctors, nurses, ward boys/girls, and other staff who work in hospitals or healthcare facilities are at a higher risk of being exposed to TB bacteria. Regular testing can help detect an infection early and prevent its spread.
- People with Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS, patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, or those on long-term steroid treatment have weakened immune systems which increase their susceptibility to TB. These individuals should proactively undergo the Quantiferon tuberculosis Gold test.
- Travellers: If you're planning to travel to areas where TB is common or if you've recently returned from such a region, it would be wise to get tested.
- People in Contact with TB Patients: If a family member or close associate has been diagnosed with active TB disease and you've spent considerable time with them in close proximity, your doctor might advise you to take the test.
Individuals Preparing for Organ or Bone Marrow Transplant: As part of the medical clearance procedure, potential transplant recipients are often required to undergo the Quantiferon TB Gold test.
Components of a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test
The TB Gold test utilises various components to ensure reliable results. These components include:
- TB Nil Tube: The TB nil tube serves as a negative control for the test, meaning if no reaction is seen in this tube, then it can be safely assumed that the other reactions are accurate.
- TB Antigen Tube: The purpose of the TB antigen tube is to detect any immune responses by your body against TB bacteria. If your body reacts to this tube, you may have been exposed to TB.
- TB Mitogen Tube: The TB mitogen tube works as a positive control; it should cause an immune response in almost everyone, indicating that your immune system is capable of reacting.
- TB Ag Minus Nil: This part of the test measures the difference in response between the TB antigen tube and the nil tube. A higher value may indicate an infection.
- Final Result: Based on all these individual tests, a final result determines whether TB bacteria are present in your body.
Understanding each component's role highlights how comprehensive and thorough the TB Gold test is, ensuring accurate diagnosis.
Understanding the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Report
| Parameter | Normal Range | Borderline Range | High |
| TB Nil Tube | 0.1–0.7 IU/ml | 0.8–1.0 IU/ml | > 1.0 IU/ml |
| TB Antigen Tube | 0.1–1.0 IU/ml | 1.1–1.5 IU/ml | > 1.5 IU/ml |
| TB Mitogen Tube | 0.5–5.0 IU/ml | 5.1–6.0 IU/ml | > 6.0 IU/ml |
| TB Ag Minus Nil | 0.1–0.2 IU/ml | 0.3–0.5 IU/ml | > 0.5 IU/ml |
| Final Result | Negative for TB infection (typically < 0.35 IU/ml) | Indeterminate result (0.35–1.0 IU/ml) | Positive for TB infection (> 1.0 IU/ml) |
Note: The values of this test can vary depending on the laboratory, immune status, age, and underlying medical conditions.
TB Nil Tube
| High values may indicate | Low values may indicate |
| A positive result for active TB infection or exposure to TB bacteria | A negative result, indicating either no TB infection or an insufficient immune response to produce a significant reaction |
TB Antigen Tube
| High values may indicate | Low values may indicate |
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TB Mitogen Tube
| High values may indicate | Low values may indicate |
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TB Ag Minus Nil
| High values may indicate | Low values may indicate |
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Final Result
| High values may indicate | Low values may indicate |
| A positive result for TB infection | A negative result for TB infection |
Preparation and Procedure for the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test
Before undergoing the tuberculosis gold test, it's crucial to understand the TB Gold test preparation and procedure involved in ensuring accurate results. One major advantage of this test is that there's no need for special preparation before you take it. In the following subsections, you will explore in detail how you can prepare for it.
How is the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Done?
The Quantiferon tuberculosis Gold test is quite straightforward. It involves the following steps:
Preparation:
- Unlike some medical tests, there's no need to fast or limit your activities before the TB Gold test. You can even eat and drink as usual.
- It's, however, important to inform your doctor about any medications (like corticosteroids) you are taking or any underlying health conditions (like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or autoimmune diseases) you have before undergoing the TB Gold test, so they can assess whether these factors might affect the interpretation of the results.
Procedure:
- A health professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This is typically a quick process and should cause minimal discomfort.
- After the blood is drawn, pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding. You can usually resume normal activities immediately after the test.
Post-procedure:
- Your blood sample will be sent to a lab where it will undergo testing for TB.
- Technicians will measure your body's immune response to the bacteria that cause TB.
Is Fasting Required for a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test?
No, fasting is not required before a TB Gold test. You can go about your regular diet and routine before visiting the lab for this test.
What Time of the Day Should I Undergo a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test?
The TB Gold (Quantiferon) test doesn't have any specific time requirements. It can be conducted at any time of the day, depending on your convenience and the laboratory's operational hours.
Booking the TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Online and Checking Reports
Thanks to healthcare advances, you can now schedule this necessary test online at any time that suits you. Here's how you can book your test on Apollo 24|7.
What are the Steps to Schedule a TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test on Apollo 24|7?
Below are the simple steps to schedule a Quantiferon tuberculosis Gold test on Apollo 24|7:
- Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or open the mobile application.
- In the search box, type in 'Quantiferon TB Gold test'.
- From the list of options, select 'Quantiferon TB Gold Test'.
- Check for any details such as the Quantiferon TB Gold test price and TB Gold test procedure.
- Once satisfied with the information, click on 'Book Now'.
- Fill out your details and select your preferred time slot.
- Make the payment online and confirm your booking.
Remember that online booking also allows you to compare the TB Gold test list so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Take note of factors like price, location of the lab, and availability of home collection when making your decision.
How Do I Access My TB Gold (Quantiferon) (Gamma Interferon for TB) Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?
After taking the test, patiently waiting for results can be stressful. But don't worry – checking your reports is just as easy as booking the test. You just need to follow the following steps:
- Sign into your account on Apollo 24|7.
- Click on 'My Records' on your dashboard.
- Under ‘Lab Reports’, click on 'TB Gold Lab Test'.
- View or download your report which will indicate whether your result falls within the TB Gold test normal range.
Your doctor will interpret the results and share them with you. A positive result indicates that you may have been exposed to TB bacteria. However, it does not mean you necessarily have active TB disease. A TB Gold test report needs to be interpreted along with other vital diagnostic tests by your doctor to confirm TB disease.
Remember that your health is priceless! Regular check-ups and blood tests, including a TB Gold test, can play a major role in the early detection and effective treatment of TB. So, keep up with these simple but significant tests as part of your regular healthcare routine.
