Authorized QIAGEN Distributor in Nepal · JHS Analytic Traders
QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus.
One blood draw. An objective result. Unaffected by BCG vaccination.
A WHO-recognised interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for latent tuberculosis detection — the modern, single-visit alternative to the tuberculin skin test.
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is QIAGEN's current-generation interferon-gamma release assay — a WHO-recognised, FDA 510(k)-cleared, CE-IVD blood test for latent tuberculosis infection. A single-visit alternative to the tuberculin skin test (Mantoux/PPD) that is unaffected by BCG vaccination — relevant in Nepal, where TST cross-reactivity confounds results across most of the population.
What distinguishes QFT-Plus from earlier QuantiFERON generations is the TB2 tube's dedicated CD8+ T-cell stimulation, added in a later QIAGEN platform redesign. CD8+ responses are particularly relevant in active or recent TB exposure, HIV co-infection, and immunocompromised patients.
JHS Analytic Traders is QIAGEN's authorized distributor in Nepal for QFT-Plus — supplied alongside ELISA readers, washers, incubators, and the broader infrastructure an IGRA workflow needs.
Single blood draw, objective result
A single blood draw, one patient visit, one lab ELISA run — result reported within typical ELISA turnaround. No return appointment needed.
Unaffected by prior BCG vaccination
Uses ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens absent from the BCG strain. No false positives from Nepal's near-universal BCG coverage.
Dual T-cell stimulation
TB2 tube uniquely stimulates CD8+ T-cells — improving sensitivity in recent exposure, active TB, HIV, and immunocompromised patients.
The Four QFT-Plus Collection Tubes.
Every QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test in Nepal uses four colour-coded blood collection tubes — each pre-loaded with specific antigens or controls. Together they enable a sensitive and specific detection method for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, with a dedicated CD8+ T-cell stimulation tube (TB2) introduced in a later QIAGEN platform redesign — alongside the established CD4+ T-cell response measured by TB1.
Baseline control with no TB antigens — measures background interferon-gamma levels.
Background IFN-γ Control
ESAT-6 and CFP-10 peptides — TB-specific antigens absent from the BCG vaccine.
CD4+ T-Cell Response
Extended peptide panel — broader immune response detection unique to QFT-Plus.
CD4+ & CD8+ Response
Positive control that validates immune responsiveness — guards against indeterminate results.
Immune Validity ControlQFT-Plus and Nepal's BCG-vaccinated population
Nepal has near-universal BCG vaccination at birth — 96% coverage per the WHO/UNICEF 2022 profile. The tuberculin skin test (TST) reacts to BCG, producing false positives across most of the population. QFT-Plus uses ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens absent from the BCG strain, so results are not confounded by prior vaccination — a distinction that matters in every Nepali patient encounter. WHO recognises IGRA as an equivalent alternative to TST for latent TB diagnosis.
Where QFT-Plus Is Used
Healthcare Worker Screening
Annual TB screening of hospital and clinical staff across Nepal — where BCG vaccination makes TST unreliable for routine monitoring.
Pre-Employment & Institutional
TB clearance for staff in hospitals, research facilities, food processing, and government institutions.
Immigration & Travel Health
IGRA is accepted for visa and immigration medical examinations by many destination countries (US, UK, Canada and others); specific acceptance varies — JHS confirms current panel requirements at quotation.
HIV & Immunocompromised Patients
Screening HIV-positive patients and those on immunosuppressive therapy before initiating treatment — where TST is particularly unreliable.
QFT-Plus Is One Part of What We Can Build for Your Lab.
If your requirements go beyond a single kit — alternative IGRA platforms, TB culture systems, broader infectious disease panels, or a complete diagnostic workflow — we configure the right solution for your lab's clinical context, throughput, and budget.
Product documentation & media
Manufacturer walkthrough of the QFT-Plus IGRA workflow — collection tubes, incubation, ELISA readout, and result interpretation.
What is QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus?
QFT-Plus is QIAGEN's current-generation IGRA blood test for detecting latent tuberculosis infection. It measures the immune system's response to TB-specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) through an ELISA. The result is available from a single patient visit — refer to QIAGEN for current turnaround specifications.
Why is QFT-Plus preferred over TST in Nepal?
Nepal has near-universal BCG vaccination at birth. The tuberculin skin test gives false positives in BCG-vaccinated individuals, making it unreliable for LTBI screening. QFT-Plus uses antigens not present in the BCG vaccine strain, so results are accurate regardless of BCG vaccination history. WHO recognises IGRA as a valid alternative to TST, with a specificity advantage in BCG-vaccinated populations where TST cross-reactivity is a concern.
What are the four QFT-Plus collection tubes?
Each patient requires four tubes: Nil (baseline control, no antigen), TB1 (ESAT-6 + CFP-10 targeting CD4+ T-cells), TB2 (extended peptide panel targeting CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells — unique to the Plus generation), and Mitogen (positive control confirming immune responsiveness).
How is the result interpreted?
After ELISA, the IFN-γ concentration in each tube is compared against QIAGEN's published interpretation criteria — yielding a Positive, Negative, or Indeterminate result. Indeterminate results require retesting. Refer to the QFT-Plus package insert for the current cut-off values.
Does JHS supply only QIAGEN QuantiFERON?
No. QFT-Plus is one diagnostic solution within JHS Analytic Traders' broader TB and infectious disease portfolio. We source equipment and kits from multiple global manufacturers and can configure a complete diagnostic workflow matched to your lab's volume, budget, and accreditation requirements. Contact us to discuss your full requirement.