Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Collection Container/Tubes: All 4 QuantiFERON-TB Plus Tubes
QuantiFERON-TB Plus Gray Tube
QuantiFERON-TB Plus Green Tube
QuantiFERON-TB Plus Yellow Tube
QuantiFERON-TB Plus Purple Tube

1. Collect 1 mL of blood into each of 4 tubes.

• Tubes fill slowly.
• Use of a syringe may ensure correct blood volume.
• When the tube is upright, blood must meet the small black mark on the label.
• If butterfly needle is used, first collect other required tubes or use a “purge” tube to remove the air and then proceed with collecting the QFTB tubes.
• These tubes are manufactured to draw 1 mL of blood and perform optimally within the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mL. If the level of blood is outside of the black indicator line, another blood specimen should be collected.

2. Immediately shake the tubes firmly 10 times 

• The entire inner surface of the tubes must be coated with blood.
•  Overly energetic shaking may cause gel disruption and could lead to aberrant results.
• Thorough mixing is required to ensure complete integration of the tube’s contents into the blood.

3. Label tubes appropriately with corresponding EPIC labels.

• The label should be placed below the colored Quantiferon band so the back window and black marks are visible on all 4 collection tubes.

*****Important: If using EPIC barcode labels, the container color name on the label must match the cap color of the tube it will be affixed to.

• If EPIC labels are not available, specimens must be labeled with the patient's first and last name, MR# or DOB, date and time drawn, and phlebotomist's initials.

4. Maintain tubes at room temperature (17°C–27°C) until incubation.

• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Note: Incubation of the 4 tubes must be started within 16 hours of collection.