Quantiferon TB gold

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Testing Laboratory

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

QFAU

Test Code (Numeric Code)

4120

Laboratory Handling

Transport

The specimen should be transported at room temperature. It must NOT be refrigerated or frozen. QuantiFERON (Gold) tubes must be received in lab as soon as possible (Preferable)

Laboratory

Specialised Serology & Proteins

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)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

4

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)
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: 03/09/2026