Mycobacterial Culture, Blood
Use
The Mycobacterial Culture, Blood test is used for diagnosing mycobacteremia, a condition that occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients. Mycobacteremia is primarily caused by the Mycobacterium avium complex, although it can also be due to other mycobacterial species including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Mycobacterium szulgai, and Mycobacterium xenopi. This test is particularly indicated for patients presenting with sepsis symptoms, especially those with a fever of unknown origin.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required when submitting. If ordering manually, complete and send a Microbiology Test Request form with the specimen. Ensure that SPS tubes are clearly labeled as such, as ACD (yellow top) tubes are not acceptable and may result in specimen cancellation.
Limitations
A negative test result does not definitively rule out the presence of mycobacteremia, as the organism may be present in quantities below the detection limit or transiently present. Additionally, if Mycobacterium genavense is suspected, it is crucial to indicate this on the request form or contact the laboratory to add Mycobactin J to the culture for optimal growth. Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's history and clinical presentation.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 64412-0
- 64412-0
Result Turnaround Time
49 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
8 to 10 mL per culture
Minimum Volume
5 mL
Container
Green top (sodium or lithium heparin) or SPS (sodium polyanethol sulfonate)
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. SPS tubes are acceptable but not preferred. If the label is obscured, the sample may be canceled.
Causes for Rejection
Blood Culture bottles (e.g., BACTEC mycoF Lytic, VersaTrek), Isolator, Clotted
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |