Quantiferon Gold (Blood) Test | Austin Pathology

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Quantiferon Gold (Blood)

Alternate Names	Quantiferon Gold TB, Quantiferon Gold IT, IGRA, Interferon Gamma, QFG, QG, Exposure to M. tuberculosis, Quantiferon TB Gold
Test Code	QTB
Testing Laboratory	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Container Type	See collection instructions
Medicare Rebate	Partial Rebate - please complete Patient Financial Consent Form.pdf
Out of Pocket Costs	None
Ordering Information	-
Collection Instructions	Four special blood collection tubes packaged together with instructions and available from the Specimen Collection Centre or Microbiology: must be collected in the following order 1 x grey top tube (Nil) 1 x green top tube (TB Antigen 1) 1 x yellow top tube (TB Antigen 2) 1 x purple top tube (Mitogen Control) Collect 1 mL blood into each tube and mix by inversion 10 times. Thorough mixing is required to dissolve the antigen coated onto the inside of the tube. Please ensure tubes are filled to a level within the line marker; under-filled and over-filled tubes are unsuitable for testing. All 4 tubes MUST be collected and tied together with an elastic band after collection. Samples for Quantiferon Gold should NOT be collected on Saturdays.
Transport Instructions	Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions	Store ambient at room temperature
Testing Frequency	Weekly
Min Test Volume	2mL
Add On Test Suitability	Add ons for this test cannot be performed.

Container ID	QTB1, QTB2, QTB3, QTB4
CSR Instructions	Instructions for: Regional and Metropolitan Specimen Receptions Samples which have not undergone incubation or centrifugation should be kept at room temperature. After processing (incubation & centrifugation) samples should be transported at 4°C.
Laboratory Instructions	Instructions for: Regional and Metropolitan Laboratories Quantiferon Gold samples must be incubated at 37°C for 16 - 24 hours. Note: Samples collected on Saturdays can still be accepted, but staff must ensure the samples are spun the following day.
Accredited Test	Yes

These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference

Order of Draw (PDF)

Swab Collection Guide (PDF)

Pre-Transfusion Specimen Requirements (PDF)

Requirements for Pathology Service (PDF)