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Test Code MTBPCR Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR

Specimen Type

Expectorated sputa

Collection Instructions

Patient should be seated or standing at the time of collection. Container must be labeled with patient name, date of birth, MRN, date, and time of collection.

Collection Volume

2 mL

Minimum Collection Volume

2 mL

Testing Volume

1 mL raw sputum/0.5 mL of re-suspended sputum sediment

Rejection Criteria

Specimen type other than raw sputum or Sputum Sediment; Bronchial washing or lavage; Samples with food particles or other solid particulate matter; Raw sputum stored at 35 C for longer than 3 days; Specimens from patients less than 18 years of age; Induced Sputa; Tracheal aspirates.

Specimen Storage and Stability

Raw Sputum: Refrigerated 10 days
(Sputum specimens may be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days and then Refrigerated for an additional 7 days)
For Lab Use Only:
Sputum Sediment: Refrigerated 7 d

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday, 24 hours

CPT

87556

EPIC Code

LAB3039

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Additional Information

Test is only available for untreated adult patients or patients currently being treated for TB for less than 3 days. This test is not available for patients less than 18 years of age. This test should not be used as a test for cure. This test does not replace the need for culture.

Turn Around Time

4 hours

Lab Department

Microbiology