The BOVIGAM test is a blood-based in vitro laboratory test for bovine tuberculosis. It is based on the detection of cell-mediated immune response to infection with Mycobacterium bovis in cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, bison, and other bovidae. The BOVIGAM test involves two stages. In the first stage, blood samples are incubated overnight with antigens, such as tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) or the newly developed 'peptide cocktails', to stimulate lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ. In the second stage, IFN-γ in the plasma supernatants of each blood aliquot is determined using a sandwich ELISA. IFN-γ present in the sample binds to anti-bovine IFN-γ monoclonal antibodies on a solid support and is visualized with a second anti-IFN-γ antibody labeled with an enzyme that generates a color signal. Color development is proportional to the amount of bound IFN-γ.

The BOVIGAM test is officially approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly known as OIE), indicating that it has successfully met the rigorous standards established by WOAH—a globally esteemed authority in animal health. This endorsement validates BOVIGAM, affirming its suitability and effectiveness for all situations requiring bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing.