Quantiferon TB gold

Department

Immunology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

QFAU

Test Code (Numeric Code)

4120

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

1 mL of blood must be collected into each tube (drawn by vacuum which may be slow) 1 mL is indicated by the black mark on the side of the tube If a butterfly needle is used, ensure the tubing is purged with blood prior to connecting the tubes Thorough mixing is very important. Tubes should be mixed by turning the tube end-over-end 8 to 10 times or shaking the tube for 5 seconds ensuring that the entire inner surface of the tube has been coated with the blood. Leave the side of the tube clear and black mark uncovered.

Transport

The specimen should be transported at room temperature. It must NOT be refrigerated or frozen.

Sample Stability

Must be incubated within 16 hours

Synonyms

Quantiferon

Turnaround Time

5 days

Specimen Type

  • Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • QTGB Nil (Grey Cap)
  • QTBG TB1 antigen (Green Cap)
  • QTBG TB2 antigen (Yellow Cap)
  • QTBG Mitogen (Purple Cap)
Acceptable
  • QTGB Nil (Grey Cap)
  • QTBG TB1 antigen (Green Cap)
  • QTBG TB2 antigen (Yellow Cap)
  • QTBG Mitogen (Purple Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • QTGB Nil (Grey Cap)
  • QTBG TB1 antigen (Green Cap)
  • QTBG TB2 antigen (Yellow Cap)
  • QTBG Mitogen (Purple Cap)
Acceptable
  • QTGB Nil (Grey Cap)
  • QTBG TB1 antigen (Green Cap)
  • QTBG TB2 antigen (Yellow Cap)
  • QTBG Mitogen (Purple Cap)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Additional Specimen Information

1 mL of blood must be collected into each tube (drawn by vacuum which may be slow)
1 mL is indicated by the black mark on the side of the tube
If a butterfly needle is used, ensure the tubing is purged with blood prior to connecting the tubes

Thorough mixing is very important. Tubes should be mixed by turning the tube end-over-end 8 to 10 times
or shaking the tube for 5 seconds ensuring that the entire inner surface of the tube has been coated with the blood.
Leave the side of the tube clear and black mark uncovered.

Last updated: 06/05/2026