TB Quantiferon
TB Quantiferon can be used to diagnose active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI)
This test is only available on Medical Microbiology Request
For enquires within hours contact Deborah Gascoyne-Binzi on 0113 3923929
Specimen types you should send:
QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes must be used for this investigation. The four tube system consists of the Nil antigen (grey cap), TB1 (green cap), TB2 (yellow cap) and Mitogen (purple cap)
How to Collect the Sample
For each patient collect 1 ml of blood by venepuncture directly into each QuantiFERON - TB Gold Plus tube
As 1 ml tubes draw blood slowly, keep the tube on the needle for 2-3 seconds, until the tube appears to have completed filling: ensure that the correct volume is drawn.
The black mark on the side of the tube indicates the 1 ml fill volume. If the level of blood is not close to the indicator line, it is recommended to obtain another blood sample. NB Tubes should not be overfilled.
If a “butterfly needle” is used, a “purge” tube should be used to ensure the tubing is filled with blood prior to filling QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes.
Once the blood sample has been taken mix the tubes by shaking vigorously for 5 seconds to ensure the entire surface of the tube has been coated with blood.
Transport of Samples
Samples must not be refrigerated or they will not be valid for testing. Samples must arrive within 16 hours of collection. Samples should be received in Microbiology at LGI by 16:00pm Monday- Friday
On receipt of samples shake each tube vigorously for 5 seconds. Incubate at 37°C for 16 hours as soon as possible in an upright position, and within 16 hours of collection.
Record on the request card that samples have been incubated and transport to Leeds as soon as possible after this time.
External Referring Laboratories
On receipt of samples shake each tube vigorously for 5 seconds. Incubate at 37°C for 16 hours as soon as possible in an upright position, and within 16 hours of collection.
Record on the request card that samples have been incubated and transport to Leeds as soon as possible after this time.
