![]() If you are someone who is uncomfortable with the sight of blood or blood being drawn, you may wish to let the professional collecting the sample know. Before the testĪ TB blood test does not require any preparation beforehand. A persistent cough that has lasted for three weeks or longer.Ī TB blood test is preferred over a TB skin test for certain people, including those who have been vaccinated with the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) TB vaccine and those who may be unable to attend multiple appointments as required for a TB skin test.Ī TB blood test is performed by a health care professional who completes a blood draw and sends the blood samples to a laboratory for incubation and analysis.Ī TB blood test takes a single visit to complete, and the test results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours after the blood sample is collected.If you have been experiencing symptoms of TB, a doctor may order a TB blood test to assist with diagnosing TB disease. Having certain health conditions such as diabetes, prior organ transplantation, intravenous drug use, or HIV/AIDS.Living or working in a large group setting such as a health care facility, nursing home, homeless shelter, or correctional facility.Being born in or travelling to parts of the world where TB is more common, such as Mexico, the Philippines, or India.Being close contact with someone who has TB.When should I get an IGRA TB test?Ī TB blood test is recommended if your health history, living situation, or working conditions put you at risk for exposure to TB. ![]() The other type of test is a TB skin test. The TB blood test is one of two types of tests used to detect TB. Higher levels of IFN-g suggest that previous exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is likely. The level of IFN-g corresponds with the amount of immune system activity in response to the TB antigens. At the end of the test, the amount of IFN-g is measured. The blood sample is placed under conditions to promote immune cell activity. To conduct a TB blood test, a sample of a person’s blood is mixed with deactivated parts of the TB bacteria called antigens. T cells are a kind of white blood cell and are part of the body’s immune system. What does the test measure?Ī TB blood test measures the amount of a specific protein called interferon-gamma (IFN-g) that is produced by a person’s T cells. Additional tests are required to determine if the person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of TB infection or TB disease. ![]() In addition to the results of a TB test, doctors consider a patient’s medical history and the results of a physical exam, imaging, and other lab tests to diagnose TB disease.Ī TB blood test can only show that a person has immune system reactivity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A positive TB test supports a diagnosis of TB disease.
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