Mycobacteria and Nocardia Culture, Varies
Use
This test is used for the detection and identification of Mycobacterium species, Nocardia species, and other aerobic actinomycetes. It is clinically significant for diagnosing infections caused by these organisms, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. Identification of these organisms to the species level is essential for guiding appropriate therapy, and culturing is necessary for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required for this test. If Mycobacterium genavense is suspected, alert the laboratory as it requires the addition of mycobactin J to the culture medium. Fresh tissue or body fluid specimens are preferred over swabs due to their higher recovery yield. Swabs should only be submitted if tissue biopsy or fluid aspiration is not possible.
Limitations
The recovery of mycobacteria depends on the number of organisms present in the specimen, the collection methods, and the processing methods. The use of BBL MGIT PANTA antibiotic mixture, essential for nonsterile specimens, may inhibit some mycobacteria. There is also a low yield from swab specimens, and appropriate specimen collection and handling are essential for accurate results. Certain specimen types and conditions could cause specimen rejection, like blood, serum, or fixed tissue.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 543-9
- 543-9
Result Turnaround Time
42-70 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile container
Causes for Rejection
Blood, serum or fixed tissue; environmental sources; specimen in viral transport medium; saliva; swab sources of respiratory fluids; nasal, sinus, outer ear, mouth, throat, or scalp swabs; wood shaft or charcoal swab; Petri dish; boric acid tubes; culture transport swab
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |