Quantiferon gold diagnostic test

A modern TB diagnostic tool that uses specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens that stimulate white blood cells (CD4 and T cells) to produce interferon-gamma. Designed as an alternative diagnostic aid to the tuberculin (PPD) skin test, it is becoming more common, as proponents argue it offers greater sensitivity and specificity than the PPD test and will decrease the time it takes to diagnose a patient.