Quick Answer: QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test in San Leandro
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT) is a blood test for tuberculosis that doesn’t require a second visit for results — unlike the traditional TB skin test. CityHealth San Leandro offers same-day blood draws for the QFT test. Results in 1–3 business days. Most insurance accepted.
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test is a modern blood test that detects tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is increasingly preferred over the traditional TB skin test (Mantoux/TST) for TB testing in employers, healthcare systems, and immigration requirements.
What Is the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test?
QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-Plus) is an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) — a blood test that measures how the immune system responds to TB bacteria proteins. It detects both latent TB infection (LTBI) and can be used as part of active TB evaluation.
The test is manufactured by QIAGEN and is FDA-approved as an alternative to the TB skin test (TST/Mantoux). Many healthcare employers, schools, and immigration officers now accept or prefer QFT results.
QuantiFERON vs. TB Skin Test: Key Differences
| Feature | QuantiFERON-TB Gold (Blood Test) | TB Skin Test (Mantoux/TST) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 visit (blood draw only) | 2 visits (injection + 48-72hr reading) |
| Results | 1–3 business days from lab | Read at 48–72 hours after injection |
| BCG vaccine interference | Not affected by prior BCG vaccination | BCG vaccination causes false positives |
| Repeat testing | Can be repeated without the “booster effect” | Repeat tests can cause false positive “boosting” |
| Preferred for | People vaccinated with BCG abroad; annual healthcare worker testing | Initial testing; young children; where QFT not available |
Who Needs a QuantiFERON TB Test?
The QFT test is ordered in many of the same situations as a TB skin test:
- Healthcare workers: Many hospitals and health systems require QFT for new employees and annual TB screening
- Immigrants with BCG vaccination: People vaccinated against TB with BCG (common in many countries) often get false-positive skin tests — QFT is not affected by BCG
- School and university requirements: Some California schools and nursing programs accept QFT results
- Immigration (I-693 medical exam): Civil surgeons are required to use QFT (IGRA) for immigration TB screening in adults — no longer the skin test
- Annual employee health screening: More convenient than skin test since only one visit is required
- People who had a positive skin test previously: QFT can be used for confirmatory testing
What to Expect at Your QuantiFERON Test Visit
- Blood draw: 3 specialized tubes of blood are collected during a standard venipuncture (about 5 minutes total)
- Lab processing: The blood sample is incubated with TB proteins at a reference laboratory. Results typically available in 1–3 business days.
- Results: CityHealth will contact you with your results and provide documentation for your employer, school, or immigration officer
No follow-up visit is required — this is the major advantage of QFT over the skin test.
Understanding Your QuantiFERON Results
- Negative: No evidence of TB infection detected. A written negative result is provided.
- Positive: Indicates TB infection (latent or active). Further evaluation including chest X-ray and symptom assessment is needed to distinguish latent from active TB. Treatment for LTBI is recommended to prevent progression to active TB.
- Indeterminate: Test could not be interpreted (often due to immunosuppression or laboratory issues). Retesting is recommended.
Cost and Insurance
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is covered by most insurance plans when ordered for occupational health, preventive screening, or clinical necessity. CityHealth accepts:
- Blue Shield of California, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna
- Medi-Cal (coverage may vary by plan — call to verify)
- Self-pay — ask at check-in for our flat-rate pricing
Get Your QuantiFERON TB Test at CityHealth
CityHealth San Leandro offers QuantiFERON-TB Gold and standard TB skin tests — same day, no appointment required. Most insurance accepted. Results in 1–3 business days for QFT.
Frequently Asked Questions: QuantiFERON-TB Gold
How is QuantiFERON different from a TB skin test?
The QuantiFERON-TB Gold is a blood test requiring only one visit. The TB skin test (Mantoux) requires an injection and a return visit 48–72 hours later for reading. QFT is not affected by prior BCG vaccination, making it more accurate for people who were vaccinated against TB in their home country.
How long does it take to get QuantiFERON results?
QFT blood samples are sent to a reference laboratory. Results are typically available in 1–3 business days.
Is QuantiFERON accepted for immigration?
Yes. For U.S. immigration medical exams (Form I-693), the CDC now requires IGRA testing (such as QFT) instead of the TB skin test for adults. Immigration medical exams must be performed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon, which CityHealth may or may not be — ask about our immigration physical services at check-in.
Related: TB Testing at CityHealth
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