For a long time, to determine if there are any pathogens of tuberculosis in the body of the child, the Mantoux reaction was used. But today this method has been replaced by the quantiferon test. This is a more universal method of research, which is suitable not only for small patients. It is also relevant for adults. And in comparison with the reaction Mantou has much more advantages.
Why did the quantiferon test for tuberculosis become more popular than Mantoux?
The main disadvantage of Mantoux is that this method is sensitive to both human and cow tuberculosis pathogens. Because of this, the reaction very often can give a false positive result. If you believe the statistics, from 50 to 70 percent of all test results are unreliable.
That is why instead of Mantoux today are increasingly doing a quantiferon test. It is conducted according to modern technology, which allows to avoid receiving false results.
In addition, Mantoux and his alternative - Diaskintest - there are many contraindications. It is not possible to resort to these methods of investigation when:
- individual intolerance to tuberculin;
- epidemics;
- presence of acute or chronic infectious and somatic diseases;
- skin diseases;
- exacerbation of allergic conditions.
Indications for a quantiferon test
The quantified test is highly sensitive and highly specific. It is based on the detection in the patient's blood of a special substance that can appear exclusively in infected mycobacteria. Interferon IFN-y - the same substance - is released by sensitized T-cells.
The result of the study in patients completely healthy, infected with a causative agent of bovine tuberculosis or undergoing vaccination with BCG will be negative.
If the quantiferon test is a homo test, it will show a positive result, then the person is accurately infected. To panic, having received the positive answer, at once it is not necessary. The presence in the organism of the pathogen of tuberculosis does not yet indicate a disease. It is likely that a person is simply the carrier of the infection. To determine how actively developing pathogens, traditional skin tests will help.
A quantiferon test is designed for:
- detection of latent tuberculosis infection;
- surveys of immigrants;
- differential diagnosis of infections that can be caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis.
First of all, the test is conducted for patients at risk:
- recently in contact with infected people;
- who underwent lung transplantation;
- suffering from lung pathologies;
- HIV-infected;
- immunosuppressive therapy;
- suffering from diabetes, lymphomas, leukemia, kidney failure or various autoimmune diseases ;
- possessing an excessive mass of the body.
Advantages of the quantiferon test
The reliable and high-precision results of the quantiferon test are not its main advantage. Unlike samples suggesting the introduction of tuberculin, this test is carried out "in vitro". That is, all that the patient needs is to donate blood and wait for the result. While after Mantoux and Diaskintest, the places of puncture should be carefully monitored and looked after.
In addition, the quantiferon test has no contraindications, no limitations, no adverse reactions. In fact, this study is the most common blood test. It should be given on an empty stomach at least eight hours after the last meal.