T-SPOT®.TB
Test Code
Clinical Significance
T-SPOT®.TB - The T-SPOT®.TB test is an in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of effector T cells that respond to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and CFP 10 by capturing interferon gamma (IFN-g) in the vicinity of T cells in human whole blood collected in lithium heparin. It is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of M.tuberculosis infection. The T-SPOT®.TB test is an indirect test for M.tuberculosis infection (including disease) and is intended for use in conjunction with risk assessment, radiography and other medical and diagnostic evaluations.
Test Resources
Test FAQ
T-SPOT.TB®Test Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
| T-SPOT.TB | Negative |
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
Adults and children ≥10 years: 6 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Pediatric 2-9 years of age: 4 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Pediatric <2 years of age: 2 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Immunocompromised individuals
Adults and children ≥10 years: 9 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Minimum Volume
Adults and children ≥10 years: 6 mL • Pediatric 2-9 years: 4 mL • Pediatric <2 years: 2 mL • Immunocompromised ≥10 years: 9 mL
Collection Instructions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance on clinical considerations for tuberculosis (TB) testing such as T-SPOT®.TB in conjunction with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Please refer to the T-SPOT®. TB FAQ (https://education.questdiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ215) for more detailed information on the latest CDC guidelines regarding TB testing and COVID-19 vaccines.
*** This is a short stability test and requires special handling. ***
If you have any questions, please contact the Quest Customer Service Department at 866-MYQUEST (866-697-8378).
Please contact Quest at tspot@questdiagnostics.com or work with your Quest Representative to obtain shipping materials(s) and discuss transportation options. This test will be handled separately from your standard Quest logistics courier pick-ups. Samples not received in a white T-SPOT specimen bag will be delayed or rejected.
Patient Service Centers (PSCs) are available to collect Monday-Friday.
Collect blood by venipuncture into a Quest-provided Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube. The tube contents must be inverted (8-10 times) to ensure that the whole blood is mixed thoroughly with the anticoagulant. Date and time of draw are required and must be provided.
Specimens must be packed for transport in a Quest supplied specimen bag and shipping container or sleeve that has been validated to maintain sample stability.
Transporting via Quest Logistics
1. Quest Logistics can be requested at 866.MY.QUEST. New logistics requests must be coordinated prior to initial order.
2. Quest will provide guidance on packing specimens to ensure temperature requirements are met.
3. Specimens must be maintained at strict room temperature, packaged in the white T-SPOT specimen bag and shipped on same day of collection.
4. Pick up requiring an outdoor lockbox must be pre-approved via the outdoor lockbox exception process.
Transporting via FedEx
1. A daily FedEx Pickup must be arranged prior to your initial order by calling 1-800-GO-FEDEX (1-800-463-3339).
2. Do not draw the day before a FedEx limited service day, which may include holidays or inclement weather events.
3. Place sample tube in the provided white T-SPOT specimen bag with the absorbent pad.
4. Include the requisition in the outside pocket of the specimen bag.
5. Place the conditioned liquid pack into the bottom of the metallic color shipping container.
6. Place the sealed specimen bags into the metallic color shipping container above the liquid pack. Up to 12 specimen bags may be included in a single shipping container.
7. Place the conditioned solid pack on top of the packed specimen bags.
8. Securely close the shipper by folding the flaps of the corrugated box.
9. Place the entire box in the FedEx UN3373 clinical pack.
10. Affix the FedEx return label or air waybill onto the clinical pack in the specified location.
11. Please provide packed shipping container directly to a FedEx courier and do not leave in the FedEx drop-off box or location.
12. Quest Diagnostics will track each customer's usage of shipping containers and will automatically resupply as needed.
Transport Container
Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 54 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than lithium or sodium heparin • Centrifuged
Setup Schedule, Alternative Specimen(s)
Pediatric 2-9 years of age: 4 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Pediatric <2 years of age: 2 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Immunocompromised individuals
Adults and children ≥10 years: 9 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube
*** This is a short stability test and requires special handling. ***
If you have any questions, please contact the Quest Customer Service Department at 866-MYQUEST (866-697-8378).
Please contact Quest at tspot@questdiagnostics.com or work with your Quest Representative to obtain shipping materials(s) and discuss transportation options. This test will be handled separately from your standard Quest logistics courier pick-ups. Samples not received in a white T-SPOT specimen bag will be delayed or rejected.
Patient Service Centers (PSCs) are available to collect Monday-Friday.
Collect blood by venipuncture into a Quest-provided Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube. The tube contents must be inverted (8-10 times) to ensure that the whole blood is mixed thoroughly with the anticoagulant. Date and time of draw are required and must be provided.
Specimens must be packed for transport in a Quest supplied specimen bag and shipping container or sleeve that has been validated to maintain sample stability.
Transporting via Quest Logistics
1. Quest Logistics can be requested at 866.MY.QUEST. New logistics requests must be coordinated prior to initial order.
2. Quest will provide guidance on packing specimens to ensure temperature requirements are met.
3. Specimens must be maintained at strict room temperature, packaged in the white T-SPOT specimen bag and shipped on same day of collection.
4. Pick up requiring an outdoor lockbox must be pre-approved via the outdoor lockbox exception process.
Transporting via FedEx
1. A daily FedEx Pickup must be arranged prior to your initial order by calling 1-800-GO-FEDEX (1-800-463-3339).
2. Do not draw the day before a FedEx limited service day, which may include holidays or inclement weather events.
3. Place sample tube in the provided white T-SPOT specimen bag with the absorbent pad.
4. Include the requisition in the outside pocket of the specimen bag.
5. Place the conditioned liquid pack into the bottom of the metallic color shipping container.
6. Place the sealed specimen bags into the metallic color shipping container above the liquid pack. Up to 12 specimen bags may be included in a single shipping container.
7. Place the conditioned solid pack on top of the packed specimen bags.
8. Securely close the shipper by folding the flaps of the corrugated box.
9. Place the entire box in the FedEx UN3373 clinical pack.
10. Affix the FedEx return label or air waybill onto the clinical pack in the specified location.
11. Please provide packed shipping container directly to a FedEx courier and do not leave in the FedEx drop-off box or location.
12. Quest Diagnostics will track each customer's usage of shipping containers and will automatically resupply as needed.
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable