The QuantiFeron-TB-Gold Plus test is an immunological test for infections caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is also suitable for detecting infection during the latent period of the disease.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread by droplet infection. It mostly attacks the lungs, but it can also affect the entire body. It can cause abnormal changes in the bones, lymph nodes, and certain areas of the brain. In the case of tuberculosis infection, no symptoms are observed in the so-called inactive carrier stage. This stage (inactive carrier phase) is also called latent TB infection, which can last for weeks, months, and in some cases even years.

When the infection enters the active phase, the patient develops bloody sputum, night sweats, in many cases a chronic cough that does not want to go away, and sudden weight loss.

The test helps diagnose latent tuberculosis.

The quantiferon test can be performed in the following cases:

• If there is a suspicion of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculose
• To confirm and/or rule out latent TB infection before and during immunosuppressive therapy (a therapy that reduces the function of the immune system).
• After contact with known active TB infected patient

A blood sample taken from a vein is needed for the test.

In case of a positive result, we can most likely talk about latent tuberculosis in the patient, however, the results of further examinations (culture results, X-ray) may be needed to confirm this.

In all cases, please consult the specialist who ordered the test with the result, as the results of further tests may need to be considered for an accurate diagnosis.