Mycobacterium species (Isolate Identification)

Use of Test

Identification of acid-fast bacilli

Test Includes

Acid-fast stain; DNA probe; High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization - Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS)

Availability

Test is available to all clinical laboratories and local public health jurisdictions.

Limitations

Pure culture required. The submitter will be notified and requested to resubmit a pure isolate of the organism of interest.

Fees

Public health investigation testing - Exempt
Non-public health investigation testing - Exempt

Causes for Rejection

Inappropriate specimen transport container; Unlabeled or mislabeled specimen; Inappropriate transport conditions; Incomplete or missing specimen submission form; Specimen leakage during transport; Inappropriate specimen for test ordered; Specimen outdated, exceeds appropriate time from collection to receipt; Quantity not sufficient to perform test; Improperly preserved specimen

Turnaround Time

7 days

Forms Required

Microbiology Submission Form (HEA 2530)

Specimen Requirements

Pure subculture of organism on agar slant or liquid medium to support organism growth (tubed media preferred). Specimens should not be submitted on plates.

Shipping Requirements

Ship overnight at ambient temperature in compliance with federal regulation and local guidelines. Refer to the Shipping Resources page for more information.