T SPOT TB Test (Sendout)

Clinical Significance: The T-SPOT® TB test is an in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of effector T cells that respond to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and CFP 10 by capturing interferon gamma (IFN-g) in the vicinity of T cells in human whole blood. It is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of M.tuberculosis infection. The T-SPOT® TB test is an indirect test for M. tuberculosis infection (including disease) and is intended for use in conjunction with risk assessment, radiography and other medical and diagnostic evaluations.

Ordering Guidance: T-SPOT® TB is offered as an alternative Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test for immunosuppressed patients with indeterminate Quantiferon TB Gold Plus [QFTB4] results. T-SPOT® is NOT a 1st line test.

Collection Note: This is a short stability test. Time blood collections accordingly. Failure to follow collection guidelines may result in test cancellations.

Collect samples Monday through Friday only and expedite transport to the lab.

• Samples must arrive in the lab at UW-MT or HMC by 2 p.m. for same-day shipment.
• Do not collect the day before a holiday.

Draw: 2 x 10 mL GREEN TOP (Lithium or Sodium Heparin) tubes. Invert tubes to ensure samples are thoroughly mixed.

Unacceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) tube

Outside Laboratories: Due to the short sample stability window, outside laboratories must arrange for testing directly with Quest Diagnostics.

UW Medicine Collection Sites: Expedite transport to the laboratory. Samples must arrive in the lab by 2 p.m. for same-day shipment.

Hold whole blood at Room Temperature (19-25°C) in the ambient Sendouts rack. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Expedite Processing - Notify sendouts staff upon receipt of samples in lab at UW or HMC.

Sendouts:

• Order electronically via QuestQuanum eLabs Account: Quest Diagnostics Nichols SJC.
• Order Quest Test: 37737.
• Send samples at ambient temperature Monday-Friday on the same day of collection via Quest courier using designated Quest Diagnostics TSPOT specimen bags. (Do not use regular Quest specimen bags, as this will cause the samples to be delayed past stability.)
  
  • UW-MT: Daily courier pickup Monday - Friday.
  • HMC: Call for courier pickup.
• Additional TSPOT supplies may be obtained by contacting Quest Memphis at: tspot@questdiagnostics.com or (877) 598-2522.

Stability: Ambient: 39 hours (collection to test setup); Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Hemolysis, anticoagulants other than lithium or sodium heparin, clotted, centrifuged, samples received past stability.