What is the turnaround time for a QuantiFERON-TB (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for Tuberculosis) result?

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Last updated: April 15, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The turnaround time for TB QuantiFERON test results is approximately 20 hours of incubation plus 3 hours for the final results, as indicated in the study published in the European Respiratory Journal 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube test requires a specific timeframe for incubation and analysis, which contributes to its overall turnaround time.
  • According to the study, the test involves incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with peptides from CFP-10 and ESAT-6, followed by enumeration of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) spot-forming cells 1.
  • The processing time may vary depending on laboratory workload and capabilities, but the standard time required for the test itself is 20 hours of incubation plus 3 hours for the final results.
  • It is essential to note that the test's sensitivity and specificity can be influenced by various factors, including the patient's immune status and the presence of active tuberculosis or latent infection with M. tuberculosis 1.
  • Healthcare providers should consider these factors when interpreting test results and managing patients suspected of having tuberculosis infection.

Clinical Implications

  • The relatively short turnaround time for QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube test results allows for timely diagnosis and management of tuberculosis infection.
  • Patients with suspected tuberculosis infection should be closely monitored, and healthcare providers should follow up with them promptly if test results are not available within the expected timeframe.
  • The use of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube test, as described in the study published in the European Respiratory Journal 1, can help improve the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis infection, ultimately reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life for affected individuals.

From the Research

TB Quanteron Result Turn Around

  • The provided studies do not directly address the turn around time for TB Quanteron results.
  • However, the studies discuss various treatment regimens for latent tuberculosis infection, including the efficacy and completion rates of different regimens 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The Quanteron test is not mentioned in the provided studies, but it is likely related to the diagnosis or treatment of latent tuberculosis infection.
  • Further research would be needed to determine the turn around time for TB Quanteron results, as this information is not available in the provided studies.

Relevant Findings

  • A 4-month regimen of rifampin was found to be non-inferior to a 9-month regimen of isoniazid for the prevention of active tuberculosis, with a higher rate of treatment completion and better safety 2.
  • A 3-month regimen of rifapentine and isoniazid was found to be as effective as 9 months of isoniazid alone in preventing tuberculosis, with a higher treatment-completion rate 3.
  • Treatment regimens for latent tuberculosis infection, including once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine for 3 months, daily rifampin for 4 months, and daily isoniazid for 6-9 months, have varying efficacy and completion rates 4, 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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