Other possible tests include the Lymphocyte transformation test which involves collecting blood from the suspect animal and exposing lymphocytes to the M. bovis antigen in the laboratory. A strong response to the M. bovis antigen indicates an active tuberculosis infection. In the BTB measurements of the products of inflammation are taken as well. The BTB test can be performed as soon as 10 days after intradermal testing and will catch some animals who do not react to the intradermal test, but is very expensive and tedious to perform. These tests are much more accurate to determine the health status of individual animals, however the government does not accept their results as official proof of tuberculosis free status.
Research continues to find tests with greater specificity, accuracy, and ease of application.
When to Test Males should not be tested while growing velvet as it may damage the antler. The best times would be between velvet removal and the rut, or the end of the rut and loss of the buttons. The best times to test females are weaning time and after the rut until one or two months before calving. Calves should not be tested before 6 months of age. Animals to be moved internationally must be shown to be from a tuberculosis free herd, which has been tested within the last year, and the individual animals must test negative not more than 60 days before movement.