Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

DESCRIPTION – a positive result indicates the presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA. Members of the M. tuberculosis complex detected by this assay include M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. bovis bacillus, M. afrcicanum, M. canettii and M. microti

METHODOLOGY – next generation sequencing (NGS) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 3 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – respiratory specimen, pleural fluid, CSF, or tissue

SPECIMEN PREPARATION –

Unprocessed specimens

–

transport 5-10 ml respiratory specimen, CSF or pleural fluid in a sterile container

Processed specimens – transport 2-5 ml digested/ decontaminated respiratory specimens, CSF, pleural fluid

STORAGEW/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY –

Unprocessed specimens – ambient: 3 days; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 1 month

Processed specimens – refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 1 month

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – blood, paraffin blocks, stool, swabs and urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory