TB
QFT
QFT- Plus
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB)
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Quantiferon TB Gold
Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by infection with M. tuberculosis complex organisms (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum, M. microti, M. canetti and M. caprae), which typically spread to new hosts via airborne droplet nuclei from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis disease.
Benefits of QuantiFERON-TB Gold vs. TB Skin Test
| Feature | QuantiFERON-TB Gold | Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) |
| Specificity | Higher specificity, no cross-reactivity with BCG vaccine or most non-TB mycobacteria | Lower specificity, may give false positives in BCG-vaccinated individuals |
| Sensitivity | Comparable or slightly higher sensitivity in detecting Latent TB | Slightly lower sensitivity, especially in immunocompromised patients |
| Number of Visits | Single blood draw, no need for follow-up | Requires two visits (injection + reading in 48–72 hours) |
| Subjectivity | Laboratory-based, objective measurement of IFN-γ release | Requires subjective interpretation of skin induration |
| Interfering Factors | Less affected by prior BCG vaccination and non-TB mycobacteria | Can give false positives in people vaccinated with BCG or infected with non-TB mycobacteria |
| Operational Efficiency | More convenient for settings with low return rates | Requires patient compliance for reading at correct time |
| Application | Preferred for healthcare workers, immunocompromised patients, and those with prior BCG vaccination | Useful in settings with limited access to lab-based testing |
Solaris Diagnostics Laboratory offers Quantiferon TB Gold Plus (QTF-Plus) assay which uses specialized blood collection tubes, containing peptide antigens that simulate M. tuberculosis protein, which are used to collect whole blood. Incubation of the blood occurs in the tube for 16-24 hours, after which, plasma is harvested and tested for the presence of Interferon gamma produced in response to the peptide antigens.
A single one tube blood test is
Conclusion:
Solaris Diagnostic Laboratory can provide the Quantiferon TB gold testing results in 48 hours after the sample is received in the laboratory using the technology with greater specificity, single-visit convenience, and reduced false positives in BCG-vaccinated individuals, making it the preferred test in many clinical and occupational settings
References:
Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.
Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.
CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.
For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.
Contact Information
Helpful Links
