Quantiferon TB Gold Plus

General Information

Lab Name
Quantiferon TB Gold Plus
Lab Code
QFTB4
Epic Name
Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus
Description

This test is for the diagnosis of latent TB (tuberculosis) infection, but not of active TB disease which requires AFB culture and smear (See AFBHSC).

Synonyms
IGRA-TB, interferon gamma release assay to tuberculosis antigens, QFT, Quantafluor TB, Quantiferon TB-gold, Quantiferon TB-gold Plus
Components

Interpretation

Reference Range
See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Collection

QuantiFERON®-TB Gold PLUS (4 tube assay). Collect 1 mL blood in each tube: [one NIL (Grey top), one TB1 Ag (Green top), one TB2 Ag (Yellow top), one MIT (Lavender top)]. The black mark on the side of tubes indicates the 1 mL fill volume. Do not under or over-fill. Immediately after filling tubes, shake all four tubes 10 times to ensure that the entire inner surface of the tube has been coated with the blood. After Blood draw hold all four tubes at room temperature until incubation.

Tube Labeling Note: Please ONLY use SMALL LABELS and affix on tubes towards the top half so that there is a clear view of both the amount of blood in the tube and the manufacturer lot number.

Handling Instructions

Send specimens to:

UW Medicine
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Central Lab - Annex
1602 Raymond Ave SW
Renton, WA 98057-3356
Tel: (206)-685-6656 opt 4

Specimen must be incubated within 16 hours of blood draw. Specimen must arrive at Central Lab Facility within 16 hours of collection.

Note: Quantiferon TB collections tubes are available in Lab Medicine's Specimen Processing, at UW-MT call 206- 598-6224 or at HMC call 206-744-3451. Prior to phlebotomy, store blood collection tubes at 4°C to 25°C.

Quantity
Requested: 1 mL blood/each tube +/- 0.2 ml blood

Processing

Receiving Instructions

QuantiFERON®-TB Gold PLUS (4 tube assay).

Processing

  1. Confirm that the blood volume in all four tubes is at or near the black fill mark:

    Grey top: NIL
    Green top: TB1 Antigen
    Yellow top: TB2 Antigen
    Purple top: Mitogen

  2. The black mark on the side of each tube indicates a 1.0 mL fill volume. Blood collection tubes have been validated for volumes ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 mL.

  3. If the blood level is not close to the indicator line, reject the specimen and request a redraw.


Labeling

  • Label tubes using SMALL CID labels only, placed near the top of the tube.

  • Do NOT cover the blood volume level or the tube lot number with labels.


Incubation and Transport

  • All tubes must be incubated within 16 hours of collection.

  • Specimens may be transported at ambient temperature by courier directly to the Central Lab facility, provided they remain within the stability window outlined in the Specimen Stability Information Chart below.


Specimen Stability Information Chart

Temperature Stability Window
Before Incubation Ambient Up to 16 hours between collection and incubation
After Incubation Ambient (4–27°C) (Preferred UW Medicine collection) Stable for up to 3 days after incubation (pre- or post-centrifugation; spun or unspun)
After Incubation

Refrigerated

(2–8°C)

Stable for up to 28 days after incubation and centrifugation

Outside Laboratory Incubation Instructions

  • Place all four tubes upright in a 37°C ± 1°C incubator for 16 to 24 hours.

  • After incubation, clearly mark tubes as “INCUBATED.

  • Centrifuge tubes at 2000–3000 RCF (g).

  • Document the incubation time and temperature on the requisition.

Outside Laboratory Support

  • Contact Client Support Services at 206-520-4600 to order supplies and coordinate specimen transport.

  • Prior to phlebotomy, store blood collection tubes at 4°C to 25°C.
Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Central Lab Virology(RVIR)
Frequency
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Other UW Medicine Central Laboratory

1601 Lind Ave SW
Renton, WA 98057

Phone: 206-685-6656 option 8
Hours of Operation:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
86480
LOINC
71775-1
Interfaced Order Code
UOW3622