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T-Spot TB

Important Note

Order by placing a Miscellaneous Lab Request (LAB3715)

This test should only be ordered if the Quantiferon test is positive.

The requisition MUST be filled out and sent to the lab with the specimen. 

Typically, in immunocompetent patients, sufficient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to perform the T SPOT.TB test can be obtained with the following age dependent guidelines:1

  • Adults and children ≥ 10 years of age: 6 mL
  • Children ≥2 to <10 years of age: 4 mL
  • Children <2 years of age: 2 mL

Please note: The above guidelines may be insufficient in immunocompromised patients with low numbers of PBMCs. Therefore, it may be advisable to collect double the recommended blood volume for immunocompromised patients.

Examples of reasons why a blood sample would be rejected are listed below:

  • Sample received more than 32 hours after blood collection
  • Sample clotted on arrival
  • Sample frozen on arrival
  • Sample damaged in transit (leakage)
  • Sample received during a public holiday
  • Blood collection tube is not labelled
  • Specimen is collected in tubes that do not contain lithium heparin, sodium heparin or sodium citrate
  • Blood collection tube is under filled

eD-H Order Code

Miscellaneous Lab Request (LAB3517)

Specimen Collection Information

Collect one Dark Green Sodium Heparin tube, a second tube is only needed if the patient is immunosuppressed. *Note: Light Green Lithium Heparin Tubes are also acceptable for this test.*


Whole blood- Do not Spin.


The provider must complete the T-Spot TB requisition (contact the laboratory if a blank form is needed). The requisition must accompany the specimen to the lab.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

The specimen must arrive to the lab BEFORE 2pm (Monday-Thursday) to allow for specimen packaging and next day delivery.

Specimen stability: 32 hours from time of collection.

Specimens recieved Monday-Thursday AFTER 3pm or on Friday will be canceled and need to be recollected.

Day(s) Performed

Monday- Thursday

Performing Lab Section

Mail-out: Send out to Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories