IGRA (Interferon Gamma Release Assays)

Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are blood tests used to detect if someone has been exposed to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). Unlike traditional skin tests, IGRAs measure the immune system's response to specific TB proteins. If the immune system recognizes these proteins, it releases a substance called interferon-gamma, indicating past or present infection. IGRAs are particularly useful for those who have had the BCG vaccine or for those who may not respond well to skin tests, offering a more accurate assessment of TB exposure.