Tuberculosis (TB) Gold Blood Test

The Tuberculosis Gold Blood Test, also known as the Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), is a blood test used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, in the body. This test helps diagnose active TB infection or latent TB infection in individuals who have been exposed to the bacteria.

The TB Gold Blood Test is more specific and accurate compared to the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST) as it does not cross-react with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine or most environmental mycobacteria. It measures the immune response to TB bacteria by detecting the release of interferon-gamma when the patient's blood sample is exposed to specific antigens related to M. tuberculosis.

The test is typically recommended for individuals at higher risk of TB exposure, such as healthcare workers, immigrants from TB-endemic regions, individuals with compromised immunity, or those in close contact with TB patients.