QuantiFERON TB-Gold Plus, 4-Tube

Interferon gamma release is measured for specimens from each of the four collection tubes. A qualitative result (Negative, Positive, or Indeterminate) is based on interpretation of the four values: NIL, MITOGEN minus NIL (MITOGEN-NIL), TB1 minus NIL (TB1-NIL), and TB2 minus NIL (TB2-NIL). The NIL value represents nonspecific reactivity produced by the patient specimen. The MITOGEN-NIL value serves as the positive control for the patient specimen, demonstrating successful lymphocyte activity. The TB1-NIL tube specifically detects CD4+ lymphocyte reactivity, specifically stimulated by the TB1 antigens. The TB2-NIL tube detects both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte reactivity, stimulated by TB2 antigens. An overall Negative result does not completely rule out TB infection.

A false-positive result in the absence of other clinical evidence of TB infection is not uncommon. Refer to: Updated Guidelines for Using Interferon Gamma Release Assays to Detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection -- United States, 2010 (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5905a1.htm), for more information concerning test performance in low-prevalence populations and use in occupational screening.