Test Name: T-SPOT TB TEST
Test Code: 2190763
Alias:
LAB9320
TB
Tuberculosis Test
CPT Code(s):
86481  
Preferred Specimen:

Adults and children ≥10 years: Collect blood in two 4 mL dark green sodium heparin (green-top) tubes.  One 6 mL or one 9 mL lithium or sodium heparin (green-top) tube may also be used.

Children 2-9 years: 4 mL whole blood collected in one 6 mL or one 9 mL lithium or sodium heparin (green-top) tube.

Children <2 years: 2 mL whole blood collected in 6 mL or 9 mL lithium or sodium heparin (green-top) tube

For immunocompromised individuals, increase the recommended volume to 9 mL of blood for adults and and children ≥10 years.
Container:

Sodium Heparin (Green-top)

 
Collection Instructions:

Draw specimens Monday-Thursday between 7:00 am-5:00 pm only.  Specimens must be in the main lab on or before 2:00 am the next morning..  Call Client Services if an additional courier pick-up is needed.

Do not draw the day before a holiday or inclement weather. Samples received >39 hours after collection will be rejected.

A separate specimen must be submitted for this test - do not combine with other tests.
Transport Temperature:

Room temperature: 39 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Stability:
Room temperature
Rejection Criteria:

Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than lithium or sodium heparin • Clotted • Centrifuged • Samples received past stability • Samples not received in T-SPOT®.TB insulated shipper
Limitations:

Do not draw the day before a FedEx limited service day, which may include holidays or inclement weather events

*** This is a short stability test and requires special handling. ***
Additional Information:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance on clinical considerations for tuberculosis (TB) testing such as QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus in conjunction with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Please refer to the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus FAQ link (https://education.questdiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ204) for more detailed information on the latest CDC guidelines regarding TB testing and COVID-19 vaccines.
Schedule:

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 2-4 days
Method:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent (ELISPOT) Assay
Performing Lab:

Quest Diagnostics TB, LLC; #37737
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.
Use:
Updated 12/18/2025
Reference Ranges:
Negative

Health Lab Test Code Build Information

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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