Austin Pathology

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Quantiferon Gold - Exposure to M. tuberculosis

Alternate Names
Quantiferon Gold TB, Quantiferon Gold IT, IGRA, Interferon Gamma, QFG, QG
Laboratory
Biochemistry
Specimen
Blood
Container
See collection instructions
Additional 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.

Minimum Adult Volume
None
Minimum Paediatric Volume
None
Frequency
Weekly
Test Code
QTB
Container ID
QTB1, QTB2, QTB3, QTB4
Storage Instructions
Store specimen at room temperature
Transport Instructions
Transport at room temperature
Additional Transport Instruction

Instructions for: Regional and Heidelberg 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 Notes

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.