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QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus
Synonym(s)

IGRA-TB, interferon gamma release assay to tuberculosis antigens, QFT, Quantafluor TB, Quantiferon TB-gold, Quantiferon TB-gold Plus, UOW3622
Test ID
QFTB4
Performing Lab

Labcorp
General Information

This test is for the diagnosis of latent TB (tuberculosis) infection.
Container Type

The QuantiFERON(R)-TB Gold Plus collection kit contains the instructions for the collection and handling of (one each): (1) gray-top (with white ring), uncoated (nil); (2) green cap with white ring, TB1 tube; (3) yellow cap with white ring, TB2 tube; (4) purple top with white ring, mitogen-coated. A high altitude kit is also available for locations between 3350 and 6150 feet; a cap with a yellow ring differentiates the tubes.
Specimen Type

Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements

Preferred: 5 mL Lithium-Heparin whole blood
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Preferred: Collect 5 mL Lithium-Heparin in a 7 mL non-gel tube (if using 4 mL Lithium-Heparin non-gel tubes collect 2 full tubes), Transport tube(s) refrigerated within 40 hours of collection. Friday collections should be received the same day of collection due to weekend operating hours.


Main Lab processing after Lithium-Heparin sample received:



  1. Warm Lithium Heparin whole blood tube to room temperature for 30 minutes

  2. Immediately after 30 minute warming gently invert tube 2-3 times to remix and aliquot 1 mL into each of the 4 QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes.

  3. Gently rock the 4 QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes 10 times to mix the preservative with the blood.  Add to Incubation chart, place samples in incubator and set rack timer to incubate for 16-24 hours based on department staffing guidelines. Place specimen bag with LC requisition for the patient next to the incubation chart.

  4. When the incubation timer alerts, remove appropriate samples from that rack, package them with the paperwork next to the incubation chart and store them in the Gray bin on the Room temp shelf to be sent to LC. DO NOT REFRIGERATE THESE SAMPLES
Minimum Sample Volume

Preferred: 5 mL Lithium-Heparin whole blood non-gel tube
Stability

Green top whole blood – refrigerated
and  4 tube QFT Gold Tube collection Kit - Room temp 16 hours
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Lithium-Heparin Gel separator tubes, Gross Hemolysis, Gross Lipemia, Gross Icterus, Alternate method submitted not following processing instructions
Department (code)

Virology
CPT Code(s)

86480
Reflex Conditions

No
STAT Orderable (Y/N)

No
LOINC Code(s)