Mycobacteria, Culture, Smear, Identification, and Susceptibility
Use
Identification of Mycobacteria to species level, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous species, is critical for appropriate antimicrobial therapy and infection control, as different species have distinct treatment regimens and epidemiology. Culture and smear combined with identification and susceptibility testing enable definitive diagnosis and drug sensitivity profiling to guide effective clinical management.
Special Instructions
Specimen processing may involve concentration or culture. Reflex susceptibility (MIC) panels are applied depending on growth characteristics: Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility, MAC MIC panel, Slow Grower MIC panel, and rapid grower panels. Additional charges apply for sequencing or susceptibility testing when reflexed.
Limitations
Identification and susceptibility testing rely on organism isolation; nonviable or contaminated specimens may lead to failure. Culture requires extended incubation for slow-growing species, resulting in long turnaround. Additional charges may apply if further identification (e.g., sequencing) is required. Negative cultures do not rule out infection in paucibacillary specimens.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 42803-7
- 185-9
- 189-1
- 16623-1
- 225-3
- 29254-0
- 335-0
- 31037-5
- 16100-0
- 428-3
- 460-6
- 516-5
Result Turnaround Time
42 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
10 mL (2 mL minimum)
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
sterile, leak-proof container
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant