AlexandersRealistically - collecting blood in 3 tubes isnt...

Alexanders

Realistically - collecting blood in 3 tubes isnt difficult particularly when most patients have more than just the Tb test and have several tubes collected. for example, with the test, other tubes are often collected for a blood count, liver or kidney test and others.

As we all know - no matter how simple something is... people always find a way to stuff it up. Thats why you have to train people whatever you do. Whatever test I order - it happens occasionally that they collect the wrong tube. It will happen for Tspot or any test.

In practical terms, I work at a hospital where both tests are available. QFT IT is recommended for Tb testing over the skin test and over the Tspot test.

So the end user has decided to use QFT IT and to place Tspot as a second choice to follow up on a QFT IT - in some situations.

They havent made that decision on which tube will be used or mucked up - they have made that decision on the basis of equal efficacy in their hands - or at least no advantage to Tspot in terms of indeterminates or accuracy and in view of the saving of laboratory time, effort and cost with QFT IT.

Thats the bottom line of all of this discussion - hospitals in Australia are adopting QFT IT as the preferred test. Will those in the USA and elsewhere do any different... I doubt it.