The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay is an in vitro diagnostic test using a peptide cocktail simulating ESAT-6 and CFP-10 proteins to stimulate cells in heparinized whole blood. Detection of interferon gamma by ELISA is used to identify in vitro responses to those peptide antigens that are associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It can be used to diagnose active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).
Tube
TB QuantiFERON Gold-Plus.
ID
3735.
Additional Information
QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes must be used for this investigation. These consist of four tubes Nil antigen, TB1, TB2 and Mitogen.
Tubes can be requested from ext 69466.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Collection Con
Draw 1 ml of blood directly into each QuantiFERON – TB Gold Plus tube. Ensure that the correct volume is drawn. The black mark on the side of the tube indicates the 1 ml fill volume. Do not overfill the tubes. If a “butterfly needle” is used, a “purge” tube should be used to ensure the tubing is filled with blood prior to filling QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus tubes. Once the blood sample has been taken, mix the tubes by shaking vigorously for 5 seconds to ensure the entire surface of the tube has been coated with blood.
DO NOT REFRIGERATE. PLACE IN THE BLUE TRANSPORT BAGS PROVIDED. SAMPLES MUST ARRIVE IN THE LABORATORY BY 4PM ON THE DAY OF COLLECTION (Monday to Friday).
EXTERNAL REFERRING LABORATORIES: On receipt of samples shake each tube vigorously for 5 seconds. Incubate at 37°C for 16 hours as soon as possible in an upright position, and within 16 hours of collection. Record on the request card that samples have been incubated and transport to Leeds as soon as possible after this time.
IP Routine TAT
6 days.
GP Routine TAT
6 days.