| Synonym(s): |
Mycobacterial culture, isolation |
| Requisition Form |
G-MYCO |
| Test Description |
Isolation of mycobacteria from culture |
| Pre-Approval Needed |
N/A |
| Supplemental Information Required |
N/A |
| Supplemental Form(s) |
N/A |
| Performed on Specimens from (sources) |
- Sputum
- Tissue
- Exudate
- Stool
- Body Fluids
|
| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing |
Clinical specimen from human |
| Minimum Volume/Size Required |
3 mL to 15 mL |
| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping |
- Transport specimen as soon as possible on cold packs.
- If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen.
|
| Transport Medium |
- 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.
|
| Specimen Labeling |
- Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
- Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
|
| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements |
- Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
- Category B shipping applies
- Please ship specimens overnight and preferably on cold pack.
|
| Method |
Culture is performed on solid Middlebrook medium and in the liquid BACTEC MGIT culture medium |
| Turn-around Time |
All cultures are monitored for 42 days, or until positive. |
| Interferences/Limitations |
Delay in transport of specimen could compromise isolation of mycobacteria. |
| Common Causes for Rejection |
- 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.
|
| Additional Information |
- Contaminated liquid BACTEC MGIT cultures may be reprocessed and re-incubated in new culture medium per product package insert. This may cause a delay of the final culture report.
|