Tuberculosis Blood Test
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it most commonly affects the lungs, TB can also involve other parts of the body. The ICare Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test is an advanced screening test that helps detect TB infection, including latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), before symptoms develop.
Unlike the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), the TB blood test requires only one visit, is not affected by prior BCG vaccination, and provides highly accurate results. Whether you need testing for employment, school, healthcare requirements, travel, immigration, or personal health, the ICare TB Blood Test offers a convenient and reliable solution.
With ICare's concierge mobile laboratory services, professional TB screening is delivered directly to your home, office, or preferred location with the personalized care and convenience you deserve.
What Does This Test Measure?
The Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test is an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) that measures your immune system's response to proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Common IGRA tests include:
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)
T-SPOT®.TB
When blood cells are exposed to TB-specific proteins in the laboratory, the test measures the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), an immune signaling protein.
A positive immune response suggests that your body has been infected with the TB bacteria.
Unlike the tuberculin skin test, IGRA testing is:
Not affected by prior BCG vaccination
Less likely to produce false-positive results related to most non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Completed with a single blood draw and no return visit for test interpretation
Who Should Consider This Test?
The Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test may be recommended for individuals who:
Work in healthcare or long-term care facilities
Need TB screening for employment or volunteer work
Require testing for school, college, or university enrollment
Have had close contact with someone diagnosed with active tuberculosis
Have traveled to or lived in areas where TB is common
Have weakened immune systems or medical conditions that increase the risk of TB
Are preparing for treatment with medications that suppress the immune system
Need routine tuberculosis screening as recommended by their healthcare provider
This test is also an excellent option for individuals who have previously received the BCG vaccine.
Why Is It Important?
Results help your healthcare provider assess your health, support diagnosis, monitor treatment, and guide personalized care.
Preparation
No special preparation is required
Turnaround
1-3 Business Days
Sample Type
Blood
What's Included
Physician Order
We provide the necessary doctor's order for this test.
Lab Fees
All laboratory processing fees are included in the price.
Digital Results
Secure, easy-to-read results delivered to your portal.
Important Information
How It Works
Book Online
Choose your test and checkout securely. We'll generate the order.
We Come to You
Schedule a mobile phlebotomist to visit your home or office.
Get Results
Receive your physician-reviewed results online in days.