Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, PCR, Culture and Smear, Respiratory
Use
This test provides combined molecular (PCR), smear, and culture methods to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from respiratory specimens, enabling both rapid presumptive diagnosis through PCR and traditional identification and antimicrobial susceptibility via smear and culture.
Special Instructions
Follow Quest TC 4554 and 30298 for detailed specimen requirements and collection instructions. Indicate specimen source on the vial and batch sheet. The performing lab is Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (IFD) San Juan Capistrano.
Limitations
PCR provides rapid detection but does not distinguish viable organisms and should be interpreted in context with clinical presentation. Culture may require up to six weeks to finalize; negative culture results may take several weeks. Molecular detection does not replace culture for susceptibility testing or epidemiologic typing.
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Refer to Quest TC 4554 and 30298 for specimen requirements