When packing for transport, the specimens MUST be packed in a separate transport esky at room temperature.
DO NOT put in an esky with cold packs.
FOR MICROBIOLOGY STAFF
Quantiferon Gold specimens must be processed as below before sending to VIDRL
Note:
Tubes must be incubated within 16 hours of collection (keep at room temperature until incubation);
Incubation at 37°C must be for 16-24 hours;
After incubation, tubes must be centrifuged within 3 days (keep at room temperature until centrifugation).
QUANTIFERON GOLD PROCESSING
Processing: to be performed by Microbiology staff
Remix all tubes immediately before incubation by inverting 10 times
Incubate at 37°C, O2 (M138 incubator). There is a metal rack in the incubator to stand the tubes upright during incubation
For specimens received between 0800 hrs and 1600 hrs, incubate overnight.
For specimens received after 1600 hrs, hold at room temperature and incubate at 0800 hrs the next day (for 24 hours) and sent to VIDRL on the following day (i.e. two days later)
At 0800hr each day, remove specimens from incubator and centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3000 RCF (g). The laboratory assistant will do this on weekdays, Blood Culture Bench Scientist will do this on Saturday and Sunday
After centrifugation, send specimens to VIDRL with the 1230 hrs courier
Specimens that are received in the laboratory, greater than 10 hours after collection will not be tested (KIMMS). | 
