Know What the TB Gold Test (IGRA) Is and Why It Matters?

Have you ever heard the phrase, “ Don’t let TB hide-test, treat, and thrive!” 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that accounts for about one-fourth of the TB cases in the world despite remarkable progress in recent years. 

Did you know?

• India is the highest TB (tuberculosis) burden country in the world, accounting for nearly 25-27% of global TB incidence. 
• In 2024, India reported a record 2.6 million notified TB cases, the highest in recent years. 
• In just the first 81 days of 2025, the country has already reported 5,77,712 cases, with Uttar Pradesh being the most affected state, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. 

India’s ongoing efforts are marked by robust case detection, more treatment coverage, and innovative public health strategies. However, persistent efforts and resources will be crucial to bridge the remaining gaps and achieve a TB-free India.

Importance of Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) testing is crucial for early detection, prompt treatment, and curbing the spread of TB in high-burden countries like India. 

Accurate diagnosis helps doctors distinguish TB from other respiratory illnesses, ensuring timely medical intervention, reducing the risk of complications, and preventing drug resistance. 

Today’s blog highlights the importance of the TB Gold Test, which has become a crucial player in the fight against TB. With its ability to accurately detect latent, this advanced blood test is transforming TB diagnosis and management in India and worldwide. 

Early detection offers effective treatment and helps control the spread of TB! Let's come together, get tested, raise awareness, and work towards being TB-free in India! 

What is the TB Gold Test?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing global health problem, and early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of TB. Among the modern diagnostic tools, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test is one of the most effective methods for controlling TB. 

QFT is an interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assay, also referred to as an IGRA, and is alternatively used instead of the tuberculin skin test (TST, PPD or Mantoux). 

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) is an advanced blood test that helps healthcare providers detect tuberculosis infection, including both latent and active forms. 

Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), which involves an injection and a return visit for a reading, the TB gold test consists of a blood draw. The results are available depending on the lab where the test was performed.

How can you prepare for the TB Gold Test?

Preparing for the TB Gold Test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold or QFT-Plus) is relatively simple, as it involves a blood collection. The main preparation is to present yourself at the TB Gold blood draw site. Here is what you need to know: 

1. No fasting required: You do not need to fast or follow a special diet before the blood test for TB. 
2. Medications: If you are already taking medications or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, please inform your healthcare provider, as this may affect the results. 
3. Clothing: Wear a short-sleeved top to allow easy access to your arm for a blood draw. 
4. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated before the blood test can make it easier for your provider to draw blood. 
5. Inform your healthcare provider if you have any history of fainting during blood draws or any bleeding disorders. 

What is the procedure for a TB Gold Test?

The QFT test helps check how your immune system responds to specific proteins found only in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that causes TB. 

For the TB Gold test, blood is typically taken from a vein in the crook of your elbow using standard venipuncture techniques. A tourniquet band is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible. 

Then, a needle is inserted into a vein to draw the required amount of blood. 

After collecting the blood, the tourniquet band is released, and a cotton ball or gauze is applied to the injection site to stop bleeding and infection. 

Then, the collection tube is labeled with your details and sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

Your healthcare provider may ask you to wait briefly to check for dizziness or bleeding. You can resume your normal activities right away. 

Are there any risks associated with the TB Gold Test?

The TB Gold Blood Test, commonly referred to as QuantiFERON-TB Gold or QFT-Plus, is generally safe and minimally invasive. The risks associated with it are the same as any standard blood draw, such as: 

• Minor bleeding at the puncture site. 
• Slight bruising, infection, tenderness, or soreness at the site where the blood was drawn. 
• Feeling lightheaded or fainting during or after the blood draw
• Unlike the tuberculin skin test (TST), there are no adverse reactions associated with hypersensitivity. 

Note: If symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, pain, and pus do not improve on their own within 2-3 days, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and further management 

What are the advantages of the TB Gold Test?

The TB Gold test offers several significant advantages over traditional diagnostic methods, especially the tuberculin skin test (TST). Let’s discover them in detail. 

• Eliminates the need for a return visit: The TB Gold test requires only one draw, thereby eliminating the need for a return visit. Additionally, it reduces your inconvenience and increases compliance, especially in remote or busy healthcare settings. 
• Objective and standardized results: The TB Gold test results are not dependent on subjective interpretation, which can vary with the TST, and provide clear and reproducible results. 
• Higher specificity: The TB Gold test remains unaffected by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and often shows fewer false-positive results compared to the TST. Additionally, this leads to fewer unnecessary treatments and follow-up tests. 
• Improved sensitivity: The sensitivity of the TB gold test ranges from 94% to 99% for detecting active TB in adults. However, it is lower in children and more variable, typically ranging from 54% to 84%. Additionally, the TB gold test is recommended if you have a weakened immune system or are about to start immunosuppressive therapy. 

What do the TB Gold Test results reveal?

The TB Gold Test provides information about the likelihood of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, based on the immune system's response, as measured in a blood sample. Here is what the test result reveals: 

• Positive Results: If your TB gold test result is positive, it may indicate that you have an active M. tuberculosis infection. It means your immune system has responded to TB-specific antigens, suggesting either latent or active TB infection.

Additionally, a positive result does not differentiate between latent and active TB disease. A chest X-ray or sputum test may also be needed to confirm the active disease. 

• Negative Results: If your TB gold test result is negative, it may indicate that the M. tuberculosis infection is unlikely. No significant immune system response to TB antigens in your blood sample. 

Additionally, a negative result does not completely rule out TB infection, especially if you have recently been exposed to TB or are immunocompromised. 

• Indeterminate Results: An indeterminate test result typically requires retesting because it cannot definitively determine whether a TB infection is present. 

Note: Discuss your TB gold test results with your doctor to ensure a complete understanding, taking into account your medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic findings. 

Who should undergo the TB gold test?

The TB Gold Test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus) is recommended for individuals in specific groups who are at an increased risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection or those for whom accurate detection of latent TB is crucial. CDC guidelines and public health authorities suggest the TB Gold Test is important for: 

• Individuals in close contact with people with active TB disease. 
• People who reside in or have traveled to regions with high TB prevalence. 
• Healthcare workers and laboratory personnel are at a higher risk of contracting TB infection.
• Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., people with HIV, organ transplant recipients, those on immunosuppressive therapy).
• People with medical conditions that increase TB risk (e.g., diabetes, chronic kidney disease, silicosis).
• Children and adults (typically age 5 years and older, though sometimes younger in special circumstances) who are being screened for TB.

Searching for a TB Gold Test? Contact Redcliffe Labs! 

If your doctor has suggested a TB Gold Test, booking with Redcliffe Labs is a convenient and reliable option. It is a simple blood test that detects exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, aiding in the diagnosis of latent or active TB infection. 

Book the TB Gold Test, available at an affordable price of INR 3000, which includes free home sample collection. Results are typically available within three days. 

To get tested, you can easily book an appointment online through the Redcliffe Labs website or app. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at your chosen time to collect your blood sample, making the process hassle-free. 

Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

• Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/ 
• Search for the specific test you need. 
• Add the test to the cart. 
• Complete the payment process online.
• You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Early detection and timely treatment of TB are crucial for effective management and recovery. If your doctor has recommended the TB Gold Test, contact Redcliffe Labs now to schedule your test and take a proactive step toward your health. 

Conclusion

The TB Gold test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold or QFT-Plus) is a convenient blood test for determining Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, offering several benefits, including a single blood draw, results unaffected by prior BCG vaccination, and rapid results. 

A positive result suggests a likely TB infection; a negative result indicates that TB infection is unlikely; and indeterminate results will require repeat testing. 

The TB Gold test is a useful test for diagnosing latent TB, with results requiring clinical correlation and further investigation as needed to determine the diagnosis and inform appropriate management.

FAQs

What is a TB Gold Test?

Also referred to as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold or QFT-Plus, the TB Gold Test is a blood test that detects infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

How is the TB Gold test performed?

A small blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory. No special preparation is required before the test. 

What do the results mean?

A negative TB Gold Test result typically indicates that you do not have a TB infection. A positive result suggests TB infection but does not distinguish between latent and active disease. 

Is the test safe for everyone?

The test is generally safe and involves minimal risks, similar to any standard blood draw. It is safe for most people, including pregnant individuals. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts or major concerns regarding the TB Gold blood test. 

How soon will I get my results?

Redcliffe Labs provides TB Gold Test results, typically available within 4 days. You can download the reports from your registered email address or WhatsApp number.