Screen for TB with confidence using QFT-Plus
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is a simple blood test that accurately identifies people infected with M. tuberculosis (MTB), the causative agent of TB (tuberculosis). QFT-Plus is a modern alternative to the 110-year-old tuberculin skin test (TST).-
About QFT-Plus
QFT-Plus uses an IGRA to measure the T cell immune response to MTB and provides the convenience of a single patient visit with electronic reporting, qualitative results and high accuracy. It is endorsed by the WHO, embraced by the UN and IPPA.
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Four tubes, one clear result
QFT-Plus measures cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in TB-infected individuals. It requires just 4 ml of whole blood – 1 ml in each of the 4 tubes. These special tubes are coated with the stimulants and are used for blood collection as well as incubation of the patient’s blood.
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Single tube blood collection
QFT-Plus also provides the option of drawing into a standard lithium-heparin tube and transferring to the QFT-Plus tubes later. It ensures a simplified and rapid blood collection process, enhanced patient satisfaction and increased time flexibility at draw site.
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A streamlined lab workflow
Test results are calculated using a lab-based ELISA assay, with no tedious lymphocyte isolation, subjective cell counting, diluting or culturing. Results can be available using QFT-Plus analysis software within 24 hours, with no second patient visit required.
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LIAISON QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus*
The FDA-approved automation solution for TB screening, the LIAISON QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test, is a fully automated testing with minimal hands-on time that provides full patient traceability and improved time to results.
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About QFT-Plus
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Four tubes, one clear result
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Single tube blood collection
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A streamlined lab workflow
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LIAISON QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus*
The QFT-Plus assay
The QFT-Plus assay is an in-vitro diagnostic laboratory test that aids in the indirect detection of infection with MTB. It uses human whole blood, with patented assay technology based on the measurement of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreted from stimulated T-cells previously exposed to MTB. It is a straightforward laboratory test that involves the following steps:
TB testing workflow with QFT-Plus blood collection options
Accurate QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test results start with proper blood sample handling. Subsequently, incubation of the blood occurs in the tubes for 16 to 24 hours, after which, plasma is harvested and tested for the presence of IFN-γ produced in response to the peptide antigens.
The QFT-Plus test can be performed in either of the following ways, depending on the blood-collection process:
Option 1: Direct blood draw into QFT-Plus blood collection tubes
Collect 1 ml of whole blood directly into each of four QFT-Plus blood collection tube and hold at room temperature for up to 16 hours prior to incubation.
Option 2: Blood draw into a single lithium-heparin tube
Draw at least 5 ml of blood into a single blood collection tube containing lithium heparin as the anticoagulant. Blood collected into a single lithium-heparin tube may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 53 hours prior to transfer to QFT-Plus tubes and incubation.
QuantiFERON TB testing workflow options
*QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Blood Collection Tubes by QIAGEN and LIAISON Analyzer by DiaSorin.
LIAISON® is a registered trademark of DiaSorin.
QFT-Plus is an in vitro diagnostic aid for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. QFT-Plus is an indirect test for M. tuberculosis infection (including disease) and is intended for use in conjunction with risk assessment, radiography, and other medical and diagnostic evaluations. QFT-Plus Package Inserts, available in multiple languages, as well as up-to-date licensing information and product-specific disclaimers can be found at www.QuantiFERON.com.