In clinical immunology, we offer two assays to detect latent TB infection:
Both of these assays measure the Interferon-gamma response to TB specific antigens [ESAT-6 and CFP10 and TB7.1 for quantiferon] and are therefore often known as Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs). They are specific to latent TB infection and not affected by BCG vaccination.
Please note these assays cannot be used to distinguish between latent and active TB infection.
