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Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Speciation, Real-Time

 Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure Number: MAB0051A

CPT: N/A

Synonym(s): MTB Cx, Tuberculosis, TB, M. bovis, BCG, bacillus Calmette-Guérin, PCR, AMCC, AMRC
Requisition Form G-MYCO
Test Description Differentiation of M. bovis and M. bovis BCG from the rest of the M. tuberculosis complex by real-time PCR.
Pre-Approval Needed No
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Clinical specimens (all types)
  • Referred isolates (all types)
Minimum Volume/Size Required
  • Clinical specimen: 3 mL to 15 mL.
  • Pure isolate liquid culture: 2.0 mL 
  • Solid culture: At least one, viable pure isolate   
Storage/PreservatioTransport Mediumn Prior to Shipping Store refrigerated at 2–8°C (clinical specimens) or at ambient temperature (isolates) until shipment.   
Transport Medium
  • N/A for clinical specimens.
  • Maintain isolates on any agar or transport medium that supports the growth of Mycobacteria spp.
Specimen Labeling
  • At least two patient identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number). 
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred. 
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here. 
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship clinical specimens refrigerated at 2 – 8°C on cold packs for overnight delivery. 
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply to clinical specimens.
  • Ship isolates at ambient temperature.
  • Category A Biological Substance, UN 2814 shipping requirements apply to isolates.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
  • Triple-contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations. 
  • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements. 
  • Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping materials for isolates.
Method Real-time PCR 
Turn-around Time One week after MTB complex culture is suspected of M. bovis or M. bovis BCG. 
Interferences/Limitations
  • Growth prohibitive. 
  • If culture growth is limited, testing will be repeated when adequate growth available. 
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Missing identifiers on specimen or submission form
  • Mismatch between specimen and/or submission form identifiers
Additional Information N/A