Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis) price | IntroLab Belgrade
Južni bulevar 116, Vračar
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Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis)

Price7.500 RSD
Result inup to 8 days
SampleVenous blood
PreparationNot required
Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis) test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Written byDr. Igor Švonja, MD

Published: Updated:

The Quantiferon analysis (TBC, M.tuberculosis), offered by IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade, is an advanced test for detecting infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis.

What is Quantiferon?

Quantiferon is a brand of blood test that detects infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The test is particularly useful as an alternative to the traditional tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test), as it is more precise and does not require a return visit to read the results. This test is especially effective in individuals who have received the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis and for screening individuals at risk of infection, including healthcare workers and people with weakened immune systems.

Why is measuring this parameter important?

Diagnosing infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial for two reasons. First, tuberculosis is a very serious disease that can lead to death if not treated promptly. Second, tuberculosis is easily transmitted from person to person through the air. For these reasons, rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

How are the results interpreted?

Quantiferon test results can be positive, negative, or indeterminate. A positive result indicates a possible infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A negative result generally indicates that there is no infection. However, some people with tuberculosis may have a negative result. An indeterminate result means that the test was unable to confirm or rule out infection.

How is the analysis performed?

The Quantiferon test requires a blood sample that is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory technician will then expose the blood sample to specific proteins found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If the T cells in the blood have previously been exposed to this bacterium, they will react to these proteins and release a specific protein, interferon-gamma. The level of this protein is then measured.

Preparation for the analysis

There is no special preparation required for this test. It is advisable to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some medications can affect the test results.

Subtypes and specificities of the analysis

There are three versions of the QuantiFERON test:

  • QuantiFERON-TB Gold
  • QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus
  • QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube

All three versions are used to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which test to use is usually made based on the specific needs of the patient and the availability of the test.

Sample and preparation: Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis)

Sample
Venous blood
Sampling
Drawing blood
Result in
up to 8 days
Preparation
No special preparation is required.
Category
Immunology

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get Quantiferon test results?

Quantiferon test results at IntroLab laboratory are ready in up to 8 days. Unlike the Mantoux skin test, you do not need to come back to have it read, because the test is done on a venous blood sample. No special preparation is required, but you should tell your doctor which medications you take, since some can affect the result. The Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis) test costs 7,500 RSD.

Where can I get a Quantiferon test and how much does it cost?

The Quantiferon tuberculosis test is available at IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade, at Južni bulevar 116 in Vračar, and costs 7,500 RSD. A venous blood sample is taken, and the result is ready in up to 8 days. Quantiferon is often requested as screening for healthcare workers and people with weakened immune systems, as well as for people who have received the BCG vaccine, in whom it is more reliable than the skin test.

What is the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test?

QuantiFERON-TB Gold is the name of one version of the Quantiferon blood test for tuberculosis; there are also Gold Plus and Gold In-Tube versions. All of them detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis: the blood sample is exposed to proteins of this bacterium, and if T cells have previously encountered it, they release interferon-gamma, whose level is measured. IntroLab laboratory performs the Quantiferon (TBC, M.tuberculosis) test on venous blood.

What does a positive Quantiferon result mean?

A positive Quantiferon result indicates a possible infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but it does not show by itself whether the disease is active, so a doctor decides on further examinations. A negative result generally means there is no infection, although some people with tuberculosis may have a negative result. An indeterminate result means that the test at IntroLab laboratory could neither confirm nor rule out infection.

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