Mycobacterium (Microscopy & Culture)

Test information: The detection and isolation of Mycobacteria species from a variety of clinical samples.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Microscopy)
6 Weeks (Culture)

Related Tests: QuantiFERON-TB Gold PLUS

Specimen Type(s)

• Blood;
• Bone Marrow;
• Bronchial washings;
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage;
• Cerebrospinal fluid;
• Early Morning Urine;
• Lymph Nodes;
• Pericardial fluid;
• Pleural fluid;
• Post-Mortem Specimens;
• Respiratory Empyema Pus;
• Skin Swab;
• Sputum;
• Tissue;
• Tissue Biopsies;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Gastric aspirates and faecal specimens are not routinely tested for mycobacterium - contact the laboratory before submitting specimens.

Specimen Container - Adult

• Green Top BD;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Light Green Top Microtainer BD;
• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Analytes

• Microscopy & Culture;
• Mycobacterium species ;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

Sputum: >5mL
Urine: 200mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• For initial diagnosis of mycobacterial infection all specimens should be fresh and taken when possible before anti-tuberculous treatment is started.
• Sputum specimens should be less than 1 day old to minimise contamination. Two to three samples should be collected approximately 8-24 hours apart with at least one from early morning. Specimens collected on 3 consecutive days should not be pooled.
• Sputum should be expectorated from the lower respiratory tract by deep coughing. When the cough is dry, physiotherapy, postural drainage or inhalation of nebulised saline before expectoration may be helpful.
• Urine specimens should be collected separately in the early morning on three consecutive days in a 250mL CE-marked leak proof container (which does not contain boric acid).
• When collecting BAL/bronchial washings, avoid contaminating bronchoscope with tap water, which may contain environmental Mycobacterium species.
• For Mycobacterium avium disseminated infection please submit a blood sample in a lithium heparin tube on three consecutive days requesting MAI investigation.
• For blood and bone marrow, the skin should be disinfected at the venepuncture site and allowed to dry. Withdraw sufficient blood to fill a green top lithium heparin vacutainer blood tube. EDTA is inhibitory to Mycobacterium species, even in trace amounts.
• Skin/tissue biopsy/post-mortem specimens should be collected aseptically into a container without preservatives. The majority of organisms will be found in the periphery of a caseous lesion.
• Please mention contact with water from fish tanks, swimming pools and natural areas of fresh or salt water to ensure investigation for Mycobacterium marinum.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory without delay during normal working hours.
• Specimens other than blood should be stored at 2-8 °C if transport to the laboratory is delayed for more than 1hour.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

N/A

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Useful Links:

• Adult Antimicrobial Guide
• Paediatric Antimicrobial Guide
• Primary Care Antibiotic Guide

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.