Culture Referred for Identification, Mycobacterium and Nocardia with Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing, Varies
Use
This test is used for rapid identification to the species level and susceptibility testing for Mycobacterium species, Nocardia species, and other aerobic actinomycete genera and species from pure culture isolates. Identification is crucial due to the large number of species within Mycobacterium and Nocardia, many of which are human pathogens. This helps in guiding patient care by identifying the organism accurately, thus influencing treatment decisions based on susceptibility results.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be pure culture isolates of the organism. The specimen should be placed in a large infectious container and labeled properly as an etiologic agent/infectious substance. It is required to provide specimen source information and isolate description, including Gram stain reaction, morphology, and tests performed.
Limitations
The test requires organisms to be in pure culture; mixed or contaminated cultures may delay identification or make it impossible. Identification to species level requires 100% agreement with database matches for the sequence data. Special instruments and conditions, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing, are used to ensure accuracy.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 543-9
Result Turnaround Time
60-70 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Isolate
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Middlebrook (7H10 or 7H11) or Lowenstein-Jensen medium slant or in broth (e.g., Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube [7H9] broth)
Collection Instructions
Organism must be in pure culture, actively growing. Do not submit mixed cultures.
Storage Instructions
Place specimen in an infectious container and label appropriately.
Causes for Rejection
Agar plate
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Ambient (preferred) |