What does IGRA mean in PHYSICS
IGRA stands for interferon-gamma release assay. It is a type of medical test used to diagnose TB infection, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacteria tuberculosis bacilli. It works by measuring the response of certain immune cells (called T cells) to antigens derived from mycobacteria. This test is important because it can detect latent TB infection, which can go undetected in other types of tests such as the tuberculin skin test (TST). This allows for early detection and treatment of TB infection, reducing the chance that an infected person will develop active TB disease.
IGRA meaning in Physics in Academic & Science
IGRA mostly used in an acronym Physics in Category Academic & Science that means interferon-gamma release assay
Shorthand: IGRA,
Full Form: interferon-gamma release assay
For more information of "interferon-gamma release assay", see the section below.
Definition
Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is a medical test used to diagnose TB infection, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacteria tuberculosis bacilli. The test measures the response of certain immune cells called T lymphocytes in response to antigens derived from mycobacteria. When exposed to these antigens, the T cells produce a type of protein called interferon-gamma, which can be detected with this test. If the level of interferon-gamma produced exceeds a certain threshold then it indicates that there is likely an active or latent (dormant) TB infection present.
Purpose
The purpose of IGRA testing is to detect latent or active TB infections earlier than conventional testing methods such as the tuberculin skin test (TST). This allows for quick diagnosis and treatment, reducing the chance that an infected person will develop active TB and spread it to others in their community. It can also help distinguish between true positive results and false positive results typically seen with the TST. In addition to detecting latent or active TB infections, IGRA testing can also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness in people who are undergoing anti-tuberculosis therapy.
Advantages
IGRA testing has several advantages over traditional tests like TST when diagnosing tuberculosis infections. One advantage is its accuracy; IGRA has been found to have higher specificity and sensitivity than TST for detecting both latent and active cases of TB infection. In addition, unlike TST which must be repeated on a regular basis due to waning immunity over time, IGRA does not require repeat testing after initial exposure since its results are not affected by previous exposure or vaccination status. Lastly, since IGRA does not depend on “booster effects” like other forms of immunoassay do, it is more reliable for individuals who have been previously exposed to BCG vaccine or who have been vaccinated against other forms of mycobacterium infections such as leprosy or atypical mycobacteriosis.
Essential Questions and Answers on interferon-gamma release assay in "SCIENCE»PHYSICS"
What is an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)?
An Interferon-gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a blood test used to determine if a person has been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). It does this by measuring how the body responds to TB antigens. It can help diagnose TB infection in people who do not have symptoms and help confirm active TB disease in people who already have symptoms.
How accurate is IGRA?
The accuracy of IGRA tests varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type of test used, the population tested, and the circumstances around which the test was conducted. On average, IGRAs are moderately accurate for TB diagnosis and may be more or less accurate than traditional skin tests.
Who should take an IGRA test?
IGRA testing should generally be done in any person with suspected exposure to TB bacteria or an increased risk of infection. This includes those who have been recently exposed to someone with active TB disease, those who live or work in settings where TB transmission is likely, such as homeless shelters or prisons, and those from countries where TB prevalence is high.
Is IGRA more sensitive than a standard skin test for tuberculosis (TST)?
Yes - IGRAs are significantly more sensitive than TSTs for detecting recent exposure to TB bacteria. They are also useful for diagnosing latent infections that may not show up on a TST due to waning immunity over time.
How long does it take for results from an IGRA test?
Results from an IGRA test can vary depending on the laboratory conducting the test, but most results should be available within 1-2 days.
How much does it cost to get an IGRA?
The cost of an IGRA depends on your health insurance coverage as well as other factors such as where you are located and who performs the test. Generally speaking, expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $100 out-of-pocket if you do not have insurance coverage.
Final Words:
In conclusion, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is a useful tool for diagnosing tuberculosis infections earlier than traditional tests like the tuberculin skin test (TST). Its accuracy and reliability make it preferable over other forms of immunoassay when diagnosing both active and latent cases of tuberculosis infection or monitoring treatment efficacy in those undergoing anti-tuberculosis therapy.
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