Diagnostic Test - Immunology https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/immunology/diagnostic-tests/tests-catalogue/t-sp...

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Immunology
OUH HomeImmunologyDiagnostic testsT-Spot.TB

T-Spot.TB
Also known as: TB ELISpot

This is a T cell based assay for the detection of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. T-SPOT.TB
enumerates individual activated TB-specific effector T cells. T-SPOT.TB assay cannot distinguish between
latent and active TB infection.

This test may be appropriate in the following situations:

For detection of latent TB in people whose Mantoux testing shows positive results, or in people for whom
Mantoux testing may be less reliable, for example BCG-vaccinated people.
For new entrants from high-incidence countries
For contact tracing in a TB outbreak
For people with HIV and other people who are immunocompromised
For healthcare workers who have recently arrived from high-incidence countries or who have had contact
with patients in settings where TB is highly prevalent
For detection of latent TB in patients prior to anti-TNF-α treatment such as infliximab, etanercept etc.

For detailed recommendations please see NICE clinical guideline 117 (CG117), issued March 2011
(http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg117).

Specimen requirements
Heparinised blood samples are required. Optimal blood volumes are:

1. 8 mL for an adult and children over 10 years

2. 6 mL for a child between 2-10 years
3. 2 mL for infants up to 2years
4. Larger volumes of blood may be required for lymphopaenic patients
5. 16 mL of heparin is recommended for patients with HIV

Sample should be taken on Monday-Thursday and must be received in the Immunology Laboratory within 8
hours of venepuncture and before 3pm. Samples must not have been refrigerated or centrifuged.

Cost
Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

3 working days

1 of 2 11/8/2018, 11:30 PM
Diagnostic Test - Immunology https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/immunology/diagnostic-tests/tests-catalogue/t-sp...

Laboratory method
N/A

Reference range/units
N/A

Associated tests
Quantiferon TB Gold

Shipping and storage

See specimen requirements

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net

2 of 2 11/8/2018, 11:30 PM