This website uses text-to-speech software called Browsealoud to read and / or translate its content . To use Browsealoud, you must allow Browsealoud cookies; the Browsealoud icon will then appear at the bottom right of your screen.
You can find out more about how Browsealoud uses cookies or change your cookie preferences at any time by going to our cookies page.
Allow Browsealoud cookies Do not use Browsealoud
If you have a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, do not come to our hospitals. Follow the national advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please find information on our services and visiting restrictions in our COVID-19 section.
Patients and visitors must wear a face covering in our hospitals.
This site is best viewed with a modern browser. You appear to be using an old version of Internet Explorer.
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