What Is a TBQ Blood Test?
A TBQ blood test is a laboratory blood test used to help detect TB infection, including latent tuberculosis.
It is also commonly referred to as:
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A QuantiFERON-TB blood test -
A QuantiFERON-TB Gold test
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An IGRA test
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A tuberculosis blood test
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A latent TB blood test
Latent TB means that TB bacteria may be present in the body without making you feel unwell. People with latent TB do not usually have symptoms and cannot pass TB to others, but the infection can become active in the future.
Unlike the Mantoux skin test, the TBQ blood test is not affected by previous BCG vaccination.
How Much Does a Private TBQ Blood Test Cost?
Our private TBQ blood test costs £160.
The service includes:
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Blood sample collection
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Laboratory analysis
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A copy of your result
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Clinical guidance if further assessment is required
The test can be completed during one clinic visit. Unlike a Mantoux test, you do not need to return after 48 to 72 hours for the test site to be examined.
Who May Need a TBQ Blood Test?
You may require a TBQ blood test if:
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You need TB screening for work or occupational health
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You are starting a healthcare or educational placement
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You have lived in a country where TB is more common
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You have been in close contact with someone who has TB
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You are preparing to start certain biological or immunosuppressive medicines
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You require screening before BCG vaccination
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You need written evidence of a TB test result
Please bring any forms or testing requirements supplied by your employer, university, hospital or occupational-health provider.
Our Patient Review
I was understandably very worried and was able to book an appointment within just a couple of hours. From the moment we met him, Dr Mac Sweeney was kind, reassuring, professional and genuinely caring. He took the time to listen, explained everything clearly, and made us feel that my husband was in very safe hands.
What impressed me most was that his care did not stop when we left the consultation. He followed up on several occasions to check on my husband's progress, prescribed more medicine and even went out of his way to provide a letter for our insurance company, which was incredibly helpful.
In a world where good service can sometimes feel hard to find, Dr Mac Sweeney demonstrated a level of compassion and personal attention that was truly exceptional. The fee was also very reasonable, especially given the time, care and support we received.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Mac Sweeney to anyone needing medical assistance and will always be grateful for the kindness he showed to both of us. If I lived in London I would most certainly subscribe to his membership scheme so he could deal with all my family's medical needs.
The clinic has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a fresh, calming scent that immediately creates a welcoming environment. Everything was explained clearly and professionally, making the whole experience completely stress-free.
I particularly appreciated the expert advice and felt comfortable throughout. I would highly recommend The Blackheath Clinic to anyone looking for a professional, patient-focused service.
As I entered the tastefully curated space, I encountered one of the rarest of things: a polite, smiling and genuinely welcoming receptionist. In fact, she was so warm and courteous that I briefly wondered whether I had wandered into an upmarket spa by mistake.
Then I met Dr Sweeney. He was charming, courteous, friendly and thoroughly professional, with the kind of bedside manner that reminds you what general practice can be at its best: attentive, humane and quietly confident. He came across as someone who takes real pride in his work and genuinely cares for his patients.
The whole experience felt like stepping back into a time when patients were warmly received and doctors truly doctored. As I was leaving, Dr Sweeney mentioned that he was off on a home visit. A GP doing a home visit in 2026? I was so astonished I nearly needed examining all over again.
Join this practice quickly before word gets out and the list fills up. This is care delivered by people who genuinely care, and that feels all too rare these days
I had lip filler and RRS Long Lasting skin boosters, and she took the time to explain everything clearly, answer all my questions, and ensure I felt confident about the treatments. Her attention to detail and gentle approach really stood out, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Dr Micha Plugaru truly combines expertise with a warm, personal touch. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering aesthetic treatments — you’re in the safest and most caring hands.
What Happens at the Appointment?
A blood sample is taken from a vein and sent to the laboratory for analysis. No fasting or special preparation is normally required.
The laboratory may report the result as:
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Negative
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Positive
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Indeterminate
A negative result means that evidence of TB infection was not detected, although no test can completely exclude infection.
A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have active or infectious TB. It means that further assessment is required, which may include a symptom review, chest X-ray or referral to a specialist TB service.
Occasionally, an indeterminate result may require the test to be repeated.
TBQ Blood Test or Mantoux Test?
Both tests may be used to investigate possible latent TB infection.
The TBQ blood test:
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Requires a blood sample
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Is completed in one appointment
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Is not affected by previous BCG vaccination
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Does not require a return visit for the test to be read
The Mantoux test involves an injection into the skin and must be checked 48 to 72 hours later.
If you are unsure which test you require, check the instructions provided by the organisation requesting your screening or contact our clinic before booking.
