About the Test
Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test is a blood test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It is an alternative to the traditional tuberculin skin test…
📍 Location Availability: NV, CA
🏠 Collection Method: At-home or In-person
🧪 Sample Type: Blood
🔞 Age: 18+
⚠️ Preparation: You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.
📊 After the test: Results can take a few hours to a few days. Sent to you directly.
$89.00
+ $5 Physican Service fee
HOW IT WORKS
Skip the doctor’s visit – purchase directly and get started.
Book your sample collection at Genics Laboratories locations, or choose the convenient in-home collection option if available in your area.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
No doctor visit needed. If available in your area, enjoy the convenience of in-home sample collection for just $69 extra.
After completing your purchase Genics Mobile Phlebotomy Coordinator will contact you to arrange your in-home sample collection appointment.
A certified Genics Mobile phlebotomist will come to your home to collect your sample and deliver it securely to our laboratory for processing.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
What’s Tested
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test is a blood test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It is an alternative to the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST) and is considered more specific.
This test is used to diagnose latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease, particularly in individuals at high risk of TB exposure, such as healthcare workers or those in contact with TB-positive individuals.
How It Works: This test measures how your immune system reacts to tiny parts of the TB bacteria. We take a small blood sample, and in the lab, we mix it with special proteins that are unique to the TB germ. If your body has ever fought TB before, your immune cells (T-cells) will “remember” it and release a chemical called interferon-gamma. The test then measures this chemical to tell us if you’ve been exposed.
Why It’s the Best Choice: IGRAs are highly accurate because they specifically look for reactions to the actual TB bacteria, avoiding false alarms from things like the BCG vaccine. It’s also convenient – just one blood draw, with no need to come back for a result to be read on your arm.
A positive result means you have been infected with the TB bacteria. Your doctor will determine if it’s an active disease or hidden infection and guide your next steps.
What’s measured:
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test checks how your immune system reacts to certain proteins from the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Here is how it works:
1. TB Proteins: The test uses three special proteins found in the TB bacteria but not in the TB vaccine (BCG). These proteins are called ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7.
2. Immune Reaction: A sample of your blood is mixed with these TB proteins. If you have been infected with TB in the past, your immune cells will recognize these proteins and release a chemical called interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
3. Measuring IFN-γ: The test measures how much IFN-γ is produced. If your immune cells release a lot of IFN-γ, it suggests that you have been exposed to TB bacteria, either through a latent infection or active TB.
In short, the QFT test looks for your body’s immune response to TB-specific proteins to see if you have been infected with TB.
Physician Review included
What to expect after the test
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.