Home Visit
Upload
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test
Also known as: TB Gold - IGRA (Interferon-y Gamma release assay) - 4 tube, Lithium Heparin Blood
No special precautions
Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
NABL & CAP Accredited Labs
Accurate & Quality Test Reports
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
TB Gold - IGRA (Interferon-y Gamma release assay) - 4 tube, Lithium Heparin Blood Details in Brief
| Also Known As | TB Gold – IGRA (Interferon-γ Gamma Release Assay) – 4 Tube, Lithium Heparin Blood |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by measuring interferon-γ response; helps identify latent TB infection and supports risk assessment for tuberculosis exposure |
| Preparation | Clinical history and clinician details must be provided on the TRF |
| Fasting | Fasting not required |
| Reporting Time | Next day |
| Cost | 3,500 |
What is a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test?
The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test is a modern blood-based diagnostic tool used to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB).
Unlike the traditional Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), the QFT-Plus test measures the immune system’s response to specific TB antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) in the blood using the Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) principle. This test can identify latent TB infection (when the bacteria are present but inactive) and is highly useful for people previously vaccinated with BCG, as vaccination does not affect test accuracy.
What Does a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Measure?
This test measures the amount of Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) released by T-cells in response to TB-specific antigens:
- TB1 Tube (ESAT-6): Assesses CD4+ T-cell response.
- TB2 Tube (CFP-10): Detects both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activity.
- Nil Tube: Serves as a negative control.
- Mitogen Tube: Serves as a positive control to confirm immune function.
Together, these results help determine whether a person has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
Who Should Get a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test?
This test is recommended for individuals who:
- Have had close contact with TB-positive patients
- Are immunocompromised (HIV-positive, on immunosuppressive drugs, etc.)
- Are being screened before organ transplantation or long-term steroid therapy
- Have clinical signs of TB but negative sputum results
- Are healthcare workers or individuals in high TB-burden areas
- Have received the BCG vaccine and require accurate screening for latent TB
Why is a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Done?
The QFT-Plus test is done to:
- Detect latent or active tuberculosis infection
- Differentiate TB infection from BCG vaccination effects
- Support early initiation of anti-TB treatment
- Monitor TB exposure and risk, particularly in vulnerable populations
- Aid in pre-transplant screening and immunocompromised patient evaluation
Importance of a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test
This test provides a specific, accurate, and rapid way to detect TB infection. It does not cross-react with most non-tuberculous mycobacteria or the BCG vaccine, reducing false positives seen in traditional skin tests.
It is particularly important for:
- Detecting latent TB before it becomes active
- Preventing TB transmission through early identification
- Improving treatment decisions by confirming infection status
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test and Get Your Reports
- Simple Online Booking
Book your test on the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus Test, schedule your slot, and choose home collection or visit your nearest Metropolis Lab. - Safe Sample Collection
A phlebotomist collects a 5 ml blood sample in a lithium heparin vacutainer following strict safety and hygiene standards. - Sample Tracking Updates
Track your sample status through the Metropolis website or app until report delivery. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Samples are processed in NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) technology to measure interferon-gamma levels. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your results the next day via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Available Near You?
Yes. Metropolis Healthcare offers home blood collection for this test. Trained staff visit your location, ensuring comfortable and professional service.
How Long Does It Take to Get a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Report?
Reports are usually available the next day after sample collection.
Note: Timings may vary depending on location and sample logistics.
Where Can You See or Get QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Results?
Reports can be accessed through the Metropolis website, app, email, or WhatsApp. Printed copies are also available at your nearest Metropolis lab.
Interpreting QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Results
What Your QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Results May Indicate
|
Parameter |
Result |
Interpretation |
|
TB1 Tube (ESAT-6) |
< 0.35 IU/mL |
Negative – No significant immune response to TB antigens |
|
TB1 Tube (ESAT-6) |
≥ 0.35 IU/mL |
Positive – Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection likely |
|
TB2 Tube (CFP-10) |
< 0.35 IU/mL |
Negative – No significant T-cell activation against TB antigens |
|
TB2 Tube (CFP-10) |
≥ 0.35 IU/mL |
Positive – Indicates exposure to TB infection |
|
Nil Tube |
≤ 8.0 IU/mL |
Acceptable negative control |
|
Mitogen Tube |
≥ 0.5 IU/mL |
Confirms immune competence and valid test run |
Final Result Interpretation
|
Criteria |
Interpretation |
|
TB1 or TB2 antigen response < 0.35 IU/mL and Mitogen ≥ 0.5 IU/mL |
Negative – Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection unlikely |
|
TB1 or TB2 antigen response ≥ 0.35 IU/mL and ≥ 25% of Nil value |
Positive – Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection likely |
|
Nil ≥ 8.0 IU/mL or Mitogen < 0.5 IU/mL |
Indeterminate – Unreliable result; repeat testing recommended |
Understanding Abnormal QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Results by Parameter
|
Parameter |
Abnormal Result |
Possible Indication |
|
TB1 / TB2 Tube |
Positive (≥ 0.35 IU/mL) |
Latent or active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection |
|
Nil Tube |
High (> 8.0 IU/mL) |
Indeterminate; excessive background immune activity |
|
Mitogen Tube |
Low (< 0.5 IU/mL) |
Indeterminate; weak immune response due to immunosuppression or improper handling |
How Should You Prepare for a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test?
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally.
- Inform your doctor: Mention if you are on corticosteroids, TNF-α inhibitors, or other immunosuppressive medications.
- Avoid recent vaccination: Do not take the test within one month of live vaccines (e.g., measles, influenza).
- Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Provide accurate clinical history: Helps in correlation and interpretation.
How Is a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
- Sample Collection: 5 ml of blood is drawn into a lithium heparin vacutainer.
- Antigen Exposure: The sample is incubated with TB-specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10).
- Interferon Measurement: The released Interferon-Gamma is quantified using an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA).
- Analysis: The amount of IFN-γ produced determines TB infection likelihood.
- Reporting: Results are interpreted using predefined thresholds and reported the next day.
Conditions That May Affect QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Accuracy
- Recent TB exposure (within 8–10 weeks): May cause false negatives.
- HIV infection or immunosuppressive therapy: Can suppress immune response.
- Recent vaccination: May temporarily alter immune activity.
- Improper sample handling or delayed incubation: May yield indeterminate results.
Diseases That a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Can Help Detect
- Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI)
- Active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (requires further confirmation)
- TB exposure in high-risk groups
- Immunological non-responsiveness in TB-susceptible individuals
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 3,450 to ₹ 3,550 |
|
|
₹ 3,450 to ₹ 3,550 |
|
|
₹ 3,450 to ₹ 3,550 |
|
|
₹ 3,450 to ₹ 3,550 |
The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Package Insert, QIAGEN, 2024.
- ATS/IDSA/CDC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2017.
- Pai M., Behr M.A., Dowdy D., et al. (2016). Tuberculosis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2(1), 16076. PMID: 27784885
- Mazurek G.H., Jereb J., Vernon A., et al. (2010). Updated guidelines for using Interferon Gamma Release Assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. MMWR Recomm Rep, 59(RR-5), 1–25. PMID: 20448518
TB Gold - IGRA (Interferon-y Gamma release assay) - 4 tube, Lithium Heparin Blood Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the TB Gold - IGRA (Interferon-y Gamma release assay) - 4 tube, Lithium Heparin Blood with a clear pricing structure.
The TB Gold - IGRA (Interferon-y Gamma release assay) - 4 tube, Lithium Heparin Blood Price in Mumbai is ₹ 3,500 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It detects infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis by measuring interferon-gamma release from T-cells in response to TB-specific antigens.
It helps identify TB infection but cannot distinguish between active and latent TB; further tests are needed for active TB confirmation.
No, fasting is not required.
Yes, the QFT-Plus test is not affected by prior BCG vaccination.
Reports are available the next day after sample collection.
A repeat test may be advised, especially in immunocompromised individuals or recent TB exposure.
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers home sample collection for the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus Test.
Ratings & Reviews (0)
Why Metropolis?
Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
WhatsApp