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Synonym(s):
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Mycobacteria
specimen concentration, specimen decontamination, specimen digestion
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Requisition Form
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G-MYCO
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Test Description
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Processing of non-sterile
specimens for the growth and detection of mycobacteria
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Pre-Approval Needed
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N/A
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Supplemental Information Required
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N/A
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Supplemental Form(s)
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N/A
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Performed on Specimens from (sources)
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-
Sputum
- Exudate
- Stool
- Badly contaminated tissues/body fluids
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Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
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Clinical specimen
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Minimum Volume/Size Required
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3 mL to 15 mL
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Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
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Transport specimen as soon as
possible on cold pack. If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen.
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Transport Medium
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Do
not use transport medium.
A sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container.
Add up to 10 mL sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture
during transport.
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Specimen Labeling
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- Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
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Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
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- Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- Category B shipping applies
Ship on frozen cold packs if at all possible! |
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Method
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N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC)-
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) digestion-decontamination
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Turn-around Time
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N/A
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Interferences/Limitations
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Delay in transport of
specimen could compromise isolation of organism.
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| Common Causes for Rejection
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-
Specimen leaked in transit.
- Missing identifier(s) on specimen container.
- No test requested on G-MYCO requisition form.
- Specimens received frozen, in formalin, or in culture medium will be rejected.
- Swabs are discouraged unless the only specimen available; submit swabs in 5 mL sterile saline.
- Gastric specimens must be neutralized prior to transport.
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Additional Information
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Mycobacteria are recovered optimally from
clinical specimens when methods both to release them from body fluids and
cells (digestion) and remove/reduce competing organisms (decontamination) are
used.
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