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Quantiferon is an ELISA based interferon gamma release assay. Whole blood is stimulated overnight with Mycobacteria Tuberculosis (TB) specific antigens, positive control or a nil control. Interferon gamma concentration from the plasma is measured by ELISA.
This is similar to the TB ELISpot and is particularly suitable for screening large numbers of healthy people in contact tracing or health care worker screening. This test is not suitable for patients on immunosuppressive drugs or have an immunodeficiency e.g. HIV. TB ELISpot should be performed in these circumstances. Quantiferon assay cannot distinguish between latent and active TB infection.
For detailed recommendations please see NICE clinical guideline 117 (CG117), issued March 2011 (http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg117).
Special quantiferon collection tubes are required for this test.
Price on application
10 working days
N/A
TB ELISpot
See specimen requirements
For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net