Which TB test is a blood-based assay?

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Multiple Choice

Which TB test is a blood-based assay?

Explanation:
This item tests recognizing a TB testing method that uses a blood sample rather than skin or imaging. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a blood-based assay because it measures interferon-gamma released by T cells in response to TB-specific antigens using a blood sample. It’s an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). In contrast, the Mantoux test involves injecting purified protein derivative under the skin and reading the reaction days later, and a chest X-ray is an imaging test, not a lab assay. QuantiFERON-TB Gold is preferred in many cases because it’s less likely to give a false positive in people who’ve received the BCG vaccine.

This item tests recognizing a TB testing method that uses a blood sample rather than skin or imaging. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a blood-based assay because it measures interferon-gamma released by T cells in response to TB-specific antigens using a blood sample. It’s an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). In contrast, the Mantoux test involves injecting purified protein derivative under the skin and reading the reaction days later, and a chest X-ray is an imaging test, not a lab assay. QuantiFERON-TB Gold is preferred in many cases because it’s less likely to give a false positive in people who’ve received the BCG vaccine.

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