Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Dedicated QuantiFERON-Gold Plus IT samples (NIL, TB1, TB2, MITO) available in all Trust Phlebotomy Departments, and available by request to Immunology Dept ext 42184).

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

Lithium Heparin blood (5mls) may also be used, and transferred under aseptic conditions in the immunology Laboratory (by prior arrangement). Samples should arrive in laboratory on same day. No Friday service available.

Patient preparation

None

Sample viability

Turnaround time

7Days

Reference range

A negative result suggests no active immune response to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. A positive results indicates a response to MTB infection, but does not distinguish between active and latent disease. The test cannot be used to exclude active infection, since false-negative results do occur. It should always be interpreted in the context of other clinial and laboratory features. Due to biological variations, re-testing borderline results is recommended. Indeterminate results indicate failure of positive or negative controls which may be due to technical or patient-specific factors. Re-testing recommended.

Clinical guidance

Quantiferon Plus IGRA test can be used to detect exposure to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/interferon-gamma-release-assay

Notes