Question 1

how accurate is this test :quantiferon-tb gold?  and can they show up like false positive?i have test done and don't like the results i see .scared

Accepted Answer

QFT Gold : Quantiferon gold can give false negetive or positive. Blood samples must be processed within 12 hours after collection while white blood cells are still viable. Test is not reliable  among persons recently exposed to m. Tuberculosis, and in immunocompromised persons. False positive results can occur with m. Szulgai, m. Kansasii, and m.Marinum.

Question 2

2 tb skin tests. bumps measured 15cm. rn stated i possibly have ltbi & ordered quantiferon gold in-tube test. could anything cause a false positive?

Accepted Answer

Not at 15cm, but...: The bump is more likely 15mm, because 15cm is 6 inches and HUGE. A 15mm bump on a screening test is big but may still be a false positive (a screening test means the patient has NO symptoms of tuberculosis). If a patient has contacted somebody with TB, or has current symptoms, she likely has a true positive unless her bump is due to past BCG vaccine. The Quantiferon-TB blood test is very accurate.

Question 3

positive quantiferon gold test but negative xray?

Accepted Answer

See below: It means that you have been exposed to tb.  A chest x-ray that is positive would indicate either past or active infection.

Question 4

i have completed a 9mo. isoniazid treatment for latent tb, and just took a quantiferon gold blood test, which came back positive. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: Watch for signs of TB, follow up with your physician. A chest image may be indicated to document that there is a normal chess x Ray. The test documents exposure to the bacteria.

Question 5

tb prophylaxis hello i am a 31 yr female from india. i just tested positive for quantiferon tb test . i am applying for medical residency this year  and plan to get pregnant this august so can't take inh for 9 months . i have been diagnosed with lyme for

Accepted Answer

I : I think you are correct in delaying inh prophylaxis until after your pregnancy. The research has shown that it is probably safe while breastfeeding, however you can make that decision when the time comes.
All the best.

Question 6

negative ppd, positve quantiferon, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

+ Gamma Assay: Means you where exposed to Tuberculosis and so may require prophylactic therapy.
The gamma assay is more sensitive and specific for Tuberculosis than the Mantoux test (PPD) !

Question 7

how specifically do clinicians distinguish between bcg vaccination vs latenet tb when a patient presents with a positive ppd? (cxr or quantiferon?)

Accepted Answer

BCG: If it has been 4 years or more since having been given bcg it is almost certainly latent tuberculosis responsible for PPD positivity.

Question 8

what is meant by false positive test results?

Accepted Answer

Not really positive: A false positive test is when the test is really negative but was reported or converted to positive but is not a true indicator for the result.

Question 9

are false positive herpes test likely?

Accepted Answer

No: A positive antibody means you're infected with herpes.  That doesn't mean you're developing outrbreaks, but it does mean that you at least have latent herpes somewhere in your body.  A positive culture or pcr for herpes means you have an active lesion.

Question 10

can you have a false positive herpes test?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: False positive test results are test results which say a person has a disease or condition when they don't actually have it. False positive results can be seen with many diagnostic tests, including STD tests. . False positive HSV-2 results can occur. Since this concerns you I suggest you go to a medical clinic and have a new herpes test done. I wish you well with your health!

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Doctor answers about:

Quantiferon test for tuberculosis false positive

A member asked:

How accurate is this test :quantiferon-tb gold? and can they show up like false positive?i have test done and don't like the results i see .scared

A member asked:

2 tb skin tests. bumps measured 15cm. rn stated i possibly have ltbi & ordered quantiferon gold in-tube test. could anything cause a false positive?

A member asked:

Positive quantiferon gold test but negative xray?

A member asked:

I have completed a 9mo. isoniazid treatment for latent tb, and just took a quantiferon gold blood test, which came back positive. is this normal?

A member asked:

Tb prophylaxis hello i am a 31 yr female from india. i just tested positive for quantiferon tb test . i am applying for medical residency this year and plan to get pregnant this august so can't take inh for 9 months . i have been diagnosed with lyme for

A member asked:

Negative ppd, positve quantiferon, what does this mean?

A member asked:

How specifically do clinicians distinguish between bcg vaccination vs latenet tb when a patient presents with a positive ppd? (cxr or quantiferon?)

A member asked:

What is meant by false positive test results?

A member asked:

Are false positive herpes test likely?

A member asked:

Can you have a false positive herpes test?

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