QuantiFERON
QuantiFERON
QuantiFERON (pronounced: kwon-ti-FE-ron), often abbreviated as QFT, is a blood test used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The test measures the immune system's response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /kwɒntɪˈfɪərɒn/
Etymology
The term "QuantiFERON" is a portmanteau of the words "quantify" and "interferon". "Quantify" refers to the measurement aspect of the test, while "interferon" is a type of protein produced by the body's immune system in response to infection.
Usage
QuantiFERON is primarily used to diagnose latent or active tuberculosis infection. It is often used in conjunction with a tuberculin skin test (TST) to confirm a diagnosis. Unlike the TST, the QuantiFERON test does not require a follow-up appointment to read the results, making it a more convenient option for some patients.
Related Terms
- Tuberculosis: A potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The bacterium that causes tuberculosis. It is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes.
- Interferon: A group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses.
- Tuberculin skin test: A method of diagnosing tuberculosis. A small amount of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative, is injected into the skin. If the person has been exposed to the bacteria, a raised lump will develop at the site of injection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on QuantiFERON
- Wikipedia's article - QuantiFERON
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