Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), QuantiFERON test, T-spot, T-SPOT
This test shows if you have been infected with tuberculosis (TB). TB is a very contagious bacterial infection that is spread through the air. It's possible to have inactive (latent) TB and not feel sick or have noticeable symptoms. Or you can have active TB disease with symptoms. People with latent TB are not contagious.
This test is more accurate and more specific than skin tests for TB. Results are ready in 24 hours. Also, you can have this screening test if you have been vaccinated against TB. The TB vaccine is called bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The skin test is not advised if you've been vaccinated. The skin test can lead to a false-positive test result in people who have had the TB vaccine. The vaccine will not lead to a false-positive IGRA test result.
There are two whole blood TB tests known as interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) that have been approved by the FDA and are available in the U.S. for TB screening. They are:
QuantiFERON TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT)
T-SPOT TB test (T-Spot)
You may need this test if you have recently been exposed to someone who has TB, or if your healthcare provider thinks you may have a TB infection.
Symptoms of TB may include:
Cough
Fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
TB usually affects the lungs. But it can spread to other parts of your body, such as your joints, spine, brain, and kidneys, and cause more symptoms.
You also may have this test if you:
Have HIV or another disease that weakens your immune system
Use illegal drugs
Live or work in a place with a higher rate of TB infection, such as a prison or nursing home
Need to start a medicine that suppresses your immune system
Recently emigrated from areas where TB is more common, such as some Eastern European or Latin American countries
Are a healthcare worker and need this test as part of your facility's infection control program
If you test positive for TB, you will likely also need a chest X-ray, sputum smear, and TB culture to find out if you have active or latent TB.
You may also be tested for HIV after a positive TB test.
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
A positive IGRA test means you may have one of two types of TB:
Inactive (latent) TB. This means TB bacteria are present in your body but are not active and are not causing symptoms. You are not contagious, although it's possible for you to develop TB in the future.
Active TB or TB disease. This means TB bacteria are active in your body, and you are contagious.
A negative test means that a TB infection (either active or inactive) is unlikely. But you may get negative results if you have very advanced TB. This is because in later stages the disease can suppress the immune reaction, causing the IGRA test to be positive.
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
Your test results may be affected if you have tumors that require treatment with medicines that suppress your immune system. Your results may also be affected if you have HIV, AIDS, or another blood disorder.
You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.