FAQ

How much does the test cost?

Please call Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories on 01235 433164. We will put you in touch with your local area representative who will offer you a tailored package, according to your needs.

How can I start to send samples to the lab?

Getting started is a simple, easy process. Contact Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories on 01235 433164 and we will review the steps with you.

How long will it take to get results reported?

Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories test results will usually be reported within 48 hours upon receipt of the blood specimen.

When can I send specimens to Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories?

Specimens are accepted 7 days a week (public holidays excluded).

Do I have to collect the blood specimen in a special collection tube?

No, only a standard lithium or sodium heparin tube is required.

How much blood do you need for the T-SPOT.TB test?

The guidelines for the volume of blood are:
• Subjects under 2 years old: 2mL or more (using a paediatric heparin tube)
• Subjects older than 2 years old: 6mL, using standard lithium heparin tube. (If the subject is immunosupressed, 2 tubes of blood would be preferable, as this increases the likelihood of obtaining a valid result).


Do you accept other types of specimens beside blood?

No, we only accept whole blood specimens collected in lithium or sodium heparin tubes.

What information needs to be on the blood collection tube?

The tube should be labeled with the patient ID and should match that stated on the request form


How do I store specimens prior to sending them to the lab?

Blood specimens must be stored at room temperature, 64-77°F (18-25°C)

After collecting a blood specimen how long do I have to send it to the lab?

Blood specimens can be shipped on the same day or overnight as long as they are received by the laboratory no later than 2pm the day after venepuncture.

How will I ship specimens to the lab?

There are at least 3 shipping methods available to customers. If you need help in choosing a method, or would like help with packing materials, please contact Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories on 01235 433164 for assistance.


How do I fill out a DHL airway bill?

Click here to find more infomation on filling out DHL airway bills (please inform us on 01235 442780 if this link is not working)


How should I package my sample?

Click here to find more information on packing samples (please inform us on 01235 442780 if this link is not working)

How does DX work?

DX is a courier network usually collecting after 5pm and delivering by 9am next day (may vary depending on location). There is a one-off fee to register and set up a DX box. Once this is complete, you simply place your samples into the box before 5pm each day and a courier will collect your sample(s) and deliver it to us. If you need assistance in setting up a DX account, just give us a call on 01235 433164. We are happy to help.

When would a blood specimen be rejected?

If your blood sample is refused, this will be outlined on the report, or someone may contact you to explain. Examples of reasons why a bood specimens would be rejected are listed below:

• Sample received more than 32 hours after blood collection
• Sample clotted on arrival
• Sample frozen on arrival
• Sample damaged in transit (leakage)
• Sample received during a public holiday
• Blood collection tube is not labeled
• Specimen is collected in tubes that do not contain lithium or sodium heparin
• Blood collection tube is under-filled

How will Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories test results be reported?

Test results will be reported as positive, negative or indeterminate. Spot counts will also be reported. It is recommended that indeterminate results be retested with a new patient specimen.

Test results will be emailed to the designated person identified in the New Customer Registration Form.  The original result will follow in the post once the sample has been invoiced. We are also able to fax results on request.


When will I get the results?

Results are usually reported the day following receipt of the sample, if samples have been sent overnight. If same day samples arrive after the assay start time, they may be carried over until the next day, which means that results will be available one day later than usual. The only exceptions are during busy times and weekends, during which we endeavour to return results within 3 working days and national holidays (results schedule listed here).

For more information on Oxford Immunotec, tuberculosis and the T-SPOT.TB test, please visit our main website here.