Varicella Vaccine and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Testing

Introduction to QuantiFERON-TB Gold Testing

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test can be performed immediately after receiving the varicella vaccine without any waiting period, as it is not affected by recent live virus vaccinations 1, 2, 3

Comparison with Tuberculin Skin Testing

• The American Academy of Family Physicians states that live virus vaccines like varicella can temporarily suppress the delayed-type hypersensitivity response measured by the TST, requiring a waiting period of at least 4 weeks after vaccination 5
• The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test measures interferon-gamma release from blood cells when exposed to specific TB antigens, and is not affected by prior BCG vaccination or recent live virus vaccinations 2, 3, 4

Advantages of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Testing

• The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test offers several practical advantages, including results available within 24 hours, higher specificity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and no requirement for a return visit 1, 2, 3, 4