@MetsFan posted:Has anyone had any experience with the Quantiferon TB test?
It says something about not reliable for people with autoimmune diseases.
Thank You
Bob
Quant Gold is now the preferred test for latent TB in most patients and definitely in those who have received the BCG TB vaccine (not given in the US). It has a lower rate of false positives than the PPD (skin test) and it relies less on interpretation of the provider. Both Quant Gold and PPD measure your immune response to TB antigen so anything that severely impairs your immune system, and specifically your T cell response, such as AIDS or cancer, can blunt the response. It is widely used in patients with autoimmune disease and unless you have severely depleted T cell activity for some reason you should be fine. The vast majority on this site (anyone who has received a biologic) have likely had a Quant Gold test. It is standard practice prior to initiation of most biologics and many other immunosuppressive meds. Plus the interferon-gamma release assays (Quant gold is a brand name of IGRA) and PPD are the only options. Hope this helps.