| Methodology: |
Standard reference procedures for stain and culture. Identification of AFB is ordered and billed separately. DNA probes are available for M. tuberculosis complex and M. avium-intracellulare complex as indicated. DNA sequencing and other molecular techniques are used for identification. For drug susceptibilities, refer to Antimicrobial Susceptibility - AFB Mycobacteria (0060217). For AFB stain positive respiratory specimens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplified Direct Detection (0060095) will be added at an additional charge.
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| Performed: |
Sun-Sat
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| Reported: |
1-56 days
Stain: 24 hours; Final negative at 8 weeks
Positive cultures are reported as soon as detected
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| Specimen Required: |
Collect: Sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), pleural fluid or other respiratory specimens in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Storage/Transport Temperature: Submit 10-15 mL unprocessed respiratory specimen in a sterile leak-proof container at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in an individual sealed bag. (Min: 1 mL unprocessed specimen). Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.
Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.
Remarks: Collection of early-morning specimens of sputum on each of three consecutive days is optimum. Indicate if mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) are suspected. This may expedite identification. Clients will be notified of positive stains and MTD results.
Unacceptable Conditions: Multiple same-site specimens (more than one in 24 hours), dry material, nonsterile or leaking containers, improper volume of sputum (less than 2 mL) or fluids (less than 1 mL), or material collected and transported on a SWAB. Specimens other than respiratory and pleural fluid are unacceptable.
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 week
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