9/28/2010 QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube: The Basics of Getting Started - - PDF document

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QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube: The Basics of Getting Started

Richard Oatis Supervisor, Mycobacteriology State of Maryland D t t f H lth d M t l H gi Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Labs Administration 201 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-6130

• atisr@dhmh.state.md.us

What is QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube?

An interferon-gamma release assay

whereby whole blood is exposed to proteins specific to M. tb. complex (but not BCG) to test for latent TB infection not BCG) to test for latent TB infection.

The test requires 1 mL of blood to be

drawn into each of three specialized collection tubes: a blank (Nil) tube, the test (Antigen) tube, and a positive (Mitogen) tube.

Why Do I Need QuantiFERON?

Foreign-born populations, especially

those vaccinated with BCG.

Transient populations (such as the

homeless) where compliance with a return visit to read a TST may prove difficult.

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QuantiFERON vs. T-Spot

T-Spot may have slightly increased

sensitivity over QuantiFERON.

QuantiFERON requires less specialized

equipment, training and labor hours than T-Spot, and can be easily implemented in almost any serology lab.

Basic Equipment Needed

37°C incubator Blood centrifuge Microplate shaker

Microplate shaker

Room temperature incubator (optional) Microplate washer Microplate reader/PC Pipettes and pipette tips Distilled water

Cellestis Components

ELISA Kit – Must be stored between

2°C and 8°C (refrigerated).

Blood Tubes – Can be stored between

4°C and 25°C (room temperature).

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Blood Collection is Specialized

Tubes should be drawn in a specific

• rder (Nil, Antigen, Mitogen).

Blood must be drawn exactly to the fill

li ll i b (1 L) line on collection tubes (1 mL).

Tubes must be shaken vigorously at

time of draw and incubation.

Time of blood draw must be recorded

accurately and communicated to the testing lab.

Blood tubes must be incubated at 37°C within 16 hours

Multiple testing sites. Specialized couriers/receiving for

blood specimens.

Designated draw times for patient

specimens.

Perform 37°C incubation at draw site.

Reporting Test Results

Do you report actual quantitative values to clinicians or just the interpretive results?

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Further Resources

QuantiFERON package insert: http://www.cellestis.com/IRM/Company/ShowPage.aspx?CPID=1171 T-Spot package insert: http://www.oxfordimmunotec.com/96-UK CDC Resources: Guidelines for IGRA testing: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/guidelines/Testing.htm Fact Sheet: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/testing/IGRA.htm