Table of Contents
Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs. Early and accurate detection is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of transmission. The TB blood test is a significant tool used for this purpose.
What a TB Blood Test Detects
The TB blood test, also known as an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), measures the immune system's response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The test specifically detects the presence of certain immune system markers in the blood, such as interferon-gamma, that are released in response to TB bacteria.
Two primary types of IGRA tests are used: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test and the T-SPOT.TB test. These tests are known for their high specificity (95%-98%) and sensitivity (80%-90%), minimizing the chance of false positives commonly seen with traditional Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST).
QL Biotech Company Solutions
QL Biotech offers advanced solutions in the field of TB diagnostics through innovative blood testing methods. Their proprietary technology enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of TB detection, providing early diagnosis which is critical for controlling the spread of the disease.
Key parameters measured by QL Biotech's solutions include specific cytokine profiles and biomarker levels that indicate a TB infection. Their tests have shown increased detection rates by up to 15% compared to traditional methods in clinical trials involving over 10,000 participants across different demographics.
References
- World Health Organization. (2023). Global Tuberculosis Report 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/en/
- CDC. (2022). Testing for Tuberculosis (TB). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/default.htm
- QL Biotech. (2023). Advancements in TB Blood Testing Technologies. Available at: https://www.qlbiotech.com/tb-solutions