QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus

A high result on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test suggests that your body's immune system has encountered the tuberculosis bacteria at some point. This doesn't necessarily mean you have active tuberculosis disease; it could mean you were exposed to it in the past and your body successfully fought it off, or you could have a latent (inactive) infection. Certain factors can affect the test's accuracy. For instance, recent vaccination with the BCG vaccine, commonly used in countries with high TB rates, can cause a false positive. Similarly, certain medications, like immunosuppressants used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, can potentially affect the test results. It's also worth noting that some people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, might not have a strong enough immune response to trigger a positive result, even if they have been exposed to TB.

Symptoms of a high result on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test could include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, chills, and fever. However, it's important to note that a latent TB infection often causes no symptoms.

A low result on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test typically means that your immune system has not reacted to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, suggesting that you have not been exposed to it. However, certain factors can affect the accuracy of the test. For instance, if you have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or you're taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs, your body might not respond strongly to the bacteria, leading to a low test result even if you have been exposed. Additionally, recent vaccination with the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis can also affect the test result. Therefore, a low result doesn't always rule out tuberculosis exposure, especially if you have risk factors or conditions that could affect the test's accuracy.

Symptoms of low levels of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus are not typically present, as this test measures exposure to tuberculosis rather than an active infection.