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Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test

 


TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION - QUANTIFERON TB GOLD BLOOD TEST

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£200.00
£200.00 - £200.00
£200.00
£200.00 - £200.00
2 BIOMARKERS
10 DAYS
INSTRUCTIONS
FAQ

Quantiferon TB (QFT) is a blood test used to detect tuberculosis (TB) infection.

Simple and accurate blood test from a laboratory you can speak to.

TEST RESTRICTIONS

Special handling required.

This test is only available at the following clinics: All London locations, Brighton/Hove, Croydon, Crawley, Guildford and Tunbridge Wells.

Please do not book this test for the last working day before a bank holiday as we will not be able to run it.

Like with other infectious diseases, there is a lag between the time a person is exposed to tuberculosis, and the time that the blood test becomes positive. This is known as the 'window period' and during this time a person may test negative for TB even though they have actually contracted the disease.

The window period for TB is considered to be about 2-8 weeks long, although sometimes it can take over 20 weeks for the blood test to become positive.

It is usually recommended that a test is performed 8-10 weeks after suspected exposure as most people will test positive by this time. Even if the test is negative at this point, you should still consult a doctor if you develop any symptoms suggestive of TB such as fever, prolonged cough, weight loss, or night sweats.


STEP 1 - CHOOSE YOUR SAMPLE COLLECTION OPTION
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GABBY LOGAN - HEALTH AMBASSADOR FOR ONE DAY TESTS

Our amazing Health Ambassador, Gabby Logan, MBE, talks about the importance of preventative testing and why it is important to find the problem before it becomes a problem.

And the best way to do this? Find our what's in your blood, direct from a laboratory you can speak to, at One Day Tests.

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TUBERCULOSIS QUANTIFERON GOLD BLOOD TEST OVERVIEW

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but also capable of affecting other organs, such as the nervous system.

While TB is relatively rare in the UK, it remains a global health concern, particularly in regions with high population density and among individuals originating from countries with a higher prevalence of the disease.

Tuberculosis is a treatable and curable condition. The cornerstone of TB treatment is a combination of antibiotics administered over an extended period. The duration of treatment can vary, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months. 

Factors such as the severity of the infection, the presence of drug resistance, and an individual's overall health can influence the length of the treatment course. It is essential for patients to complete the full course of medication as prescribed to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria and minimise the risk of relapse.

In certain circumstances, such as when applying for long-term visas or planning to work in specific countries, individuals may be required to undergo a TB test as part of the immigration process. This requirement aims to prevent the spread of TB across borders and protect the health of both the individual and the population of the destination country.

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TUBERCULOSIS QUANTIFERON GOLD BLOOD TEST

It is crucial to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the TB test, as it is typically not available on a same-day basis. The turnaround time for obtaining test results is usually around 10 working days, including 3-4 days of incubation, so it is advisable to schedule the test well in advance to ensure compliance with the necessary travel or visa regulations.

Early booking of the test will help avoid last-minute complications and provide peace of mind during the application process.

Taking proactive measures and timely scheduling of the TB test not only ensures compliance with immigration requirements but also contributes to the overall efforts in preventing the spread of tuberculosis. By identifying and treating cases early, we can limit the transmission of the disease within communities and protect the health and well-being of individuals worldwide.

THIS TEST REQUIRES SPECIAL KIT TO BE PRE-ORDERED. WHILST WE HAVE THIS AT MOST OF OUR CLINICS, WE CAN RUN OUT. SO, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US BEFORE BOOKING JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE KIT FOR YOU AT YOUR CHOSEN CLINIC.

2 BIOMARKERS

  1. TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION

    - IGRA Result TB1
    - IGRA Result TB2
    - This requires a Quantiferon TB Gold Kit. 4 vials of blood will be collected - Turnaround time for this test is around 10 working days, including incubation period and analysis.

  1. TURNAROUND TIME

    We are extremely fast, with some results available within hours and others within a working day or less, from the time your sample is in our lab. However, this is not a guarantee and should not be taken as such. This is the guideline turnaround time that can be shorter or longer.


    THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEED TURNAROUND TIME.


    We are extremely proud of our very short turnaround times and a very efficient laboratory processes, you will start receiving results as soon as they are available and have completed clinical validation.


    Whilst we accommodate the shortest of time scales, with some results available within hours, for this particular test the usual turnaround time is: 10 working days.

  1. WILL I HAVE A GENERAL EXPLANATION OF MY RESULTS?

    Yes, our doctors put a huge amount of effort into your online Health Dashboard, which will have explanations of what each biomarker is, the normal reference ranges and what it means if you are outside of them.


    This service is included in the price of all our tests.

  1. CAN I SEE A GP TO DISCUSS MY RESULTS?

    Yes, usually the same or next day.


    One Day Tests has a fantastic clinical team of consultants and GPs. Once you have your results you can book an online video consultation to discuss your results.


    Our clinical team consists of practicing NHS and private GPs, who work closely with our laboratory and can tell you what your blood test results mean for you. Having an integrated laboratory and GP services makes your health journey seamless and extremely efficient.


    This service is not included in the price of the test, it is charged separately, should you wish to book it.

DOCTOR'S COMMENTS

Hi, I am Dr. Adam Staten and here's my view on this test as a GP and Clinical Director at One Day Tests.

DR. ADAM STATEN - GP VIEW AND RED FLAG SYMPTOMS

The QuantiFERON-TB test is particularly useful for people who have received the BCG vaccine, as it does not cross-react with the vaccine, leading to fewer false-positive results compared to the TST.

While the test alone cannot confirm active TB, it can help support a diagnosis when combined with clinical assessment, chest X-rays, and sputum cultures.

Red flag symptoms for the Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test

Please contact your GP if you experience persistent symptoms of any kind.

Your Results and Health Dashboard

The results of your Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test will be emailed to you as a secured PDF file, ready for your GP and will also be uploaded to our Health Dashboard area of the website. It’s a unique and powerful tool, powered by our in-house clinical analysis research, to match your biomarkers across test panels and symptoms, as well as provide clinical commentary on all individual biomarkers you tested for.

The health dashboard will also provide "panel level" commentary - a birds eye view of the biomarkers that were tested. This feature allows you to view your test results and clinical commentary, and compare them to previous results, giving you a clear understanding of how your health is progressing.

By using the Health Dashboard, you can identify changes in your biomarkers and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle. This added value is immense, as it empowers you to monitor your health and make informed decisions about your well-being.

It's free and is available with all of our tests.

SAVE ON CONTINUOUS MONITORING WITH OUR SUBSCRIPTION PLAN

The best way to look after your health is to do so regularly. This is easy to do with our continual monitoring plans which give you a discount on future blood tests. You choose the frequency and we'll do the rest.

When you purchase a subscription, we will deliver your home test kits or allow you to book appointments in line with your chosen frequency. You will be able to track your biomarkers over time in our powerful Health Dashboard, where results will be automatically updated for you. There is a minimum of 3 tests with any subscription, after which you can pause/restart/cancel at any time.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Hi, I am Stefania Brown, I am the Laboratory Manager at One Day Tests and here are the lab's special requests for the Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Like with other infectious diseases, there is a lag between the time a person is exposed to tuberculosis, and the time that the blood test becomes positive.

This is known as the 'window period' and during this time a person may test negative for TB even though they have actually contracted the disease.

The window period for TB is considered to be about 2-8 weeks long, although sometimes it can take over 20 weeks for the blood test to become positive. It is usually recommended that a test is performed 8-10 weeks after suspected exposure as most people will test positive by this time.

Even if the test is negative at this point, you should still consult a doctor if you develop any symptoms suggestive of TB such as fever, prolonged cough, weight loss, or night sweats.

Clinic appointment - how to prepare for the Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test

If you are coming into one of our clinics for the test, this is what you need to do before you arrive:

  • Read the instructions in the SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS section
  • Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
  • Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks. Water is good!
  • That’s it! We’ll do the rest.

We look forward to receiving your sample in our lab!

WHY CHOOSE US?

Hello! My name is Dr. Vinesh Mistry, I am part of the GP team here at One Day Tests and here is why you should trust us to test your blood.

QUICK AND ACCURATE RESULTS DIRECT FROM A LABORATORY.

We run our own regulated laboratories and our own accredited clinics. We manufacture our own approved home sample collection kits. Your results are looked after by our fantastic clinical governance team and our super-talented biomedical science team.

When you book your test with us - you book directly with the lab. This means accuracy and responsible duty of care, direct access to the provider and extremely fast turnaround times.

Finally, our customer services rock! You can ask the lab a question any time or you can speak to a real human. You can email us on hello@onedaytests.com or give us a call on 0127 309 2844.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hi, I am Lana Nela, Lead Nurse, and here is what we are frequently asked about this test.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Tuberculosis Infection - Quantiferon TB Gold Blood Test.

What is the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and how does it work?

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a blood test that helps detect latent or active tuberculosis (TB) infection. It measures the immune system's response to TB bacteria by detecting the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) when TB-specific antigens are introduced to a blood sample. Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), the QuantiFERON-TB test is more specific and does not require a follow-up visit for reading results.

Who should get the QuantiFERON-TB test?

The QuantiFERON-TB test is recommended for individuals who are at risk of TB infection, such as healthcare workers, people who have been in close contact with someone who has TB, those living or working in high-risk environments (e.g., prisons, shelters), and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is also useful for those who have received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, as it reduces the chance of a false-positive result compared to the TST.

How accurate is the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test?

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is highly specific and generally more accurate than the tuberculin skin test (TST), particularly in populations that have received the BCG vaccine or have been exposed to non-tuberculous mycobacteria. However, like all medical tests, it is not perfect. False positives and negatives can occur, so results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical assessment and other diagnostic tools, especially if the individual has symptoms of active TB or is at high risk for TB.

WHY HAVE THE TEST?

Hi, I am Nader Eldarf, I am a Biomedical Scientist in our laboratory and here is why it's important to take this test.

  1. WHY HAVE THE TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION - QUANTIFERON TB GOLD BLOOD TEST?

    Detecting TB infection early allows for timely treatment, which can prevent the progression from latent TB infection to active TB disease. Early treatment reduces the risk of transmission to others.

IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

Hi, I am Sandeep Patel, I am the Laboratory Director at One Day Tests. Here are the symptoms that you may wish to address with this test.

  1. IS THE TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION - QUANTIFERON TB GOLD BLOOD TEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

    The test is commonly used to screen people at risk of latent TB infection, such as healthcare workers or people who have been in contact with TB patients.

  1. SYMPTOMS AND TAGS

    Tuberculosis

WHY ARE BLOOD TESTS IMPORTANT?

Health monitoring is very important, you are in charge of your health - look after it.