Test Overview
Test Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Test Usage

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. This test should always be performed in conjunction with mycobacterial culture.

Reference Range *

Negative

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

A positive result indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA. Members of the M tuberculosis complex detected by this assay include M tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium canettii, and Mycobacterium microti. Other species within the M tuberculosis complex (eg, Mycobacterium caprae, Mycobacterium pinnipedii, and Mycobacterium mungi) should, in theory, be detected using the primer and probe sequences in this assay, but they have not been tested. This assay method does not distinguish between the species of the M tuberculosis complex. If an isolate of M tuberculosis complex is already available, species identification can be performed; order TBSP / Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Species Identification, PCR, Varies.

A negative result indicates the absence of detectable M tuberculosis complex DNA.

Isoniazid (INH) resistance mediated through a katG variant will be reported when observed but lack of a katG variant does not imply that the isolate is susceptible to INH. There are other genetic loci in addition to katG that can contribute to resistance for this drug.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Sunday
Analytic Time

2 - 4 days

Soft Order Code
MTBP
MiChart Code
M. tuberculosis Complex PCR (Sendout)
Synonyms
  • AFB RNA Amplification, Respiratory
  • Mycobacteria PCR Test
  • PCR, AFB
  • RNAAFB
  • TB RNA Amplification, Respiratory
  • TB PCR Test
  • M. TUBERCULOSIS AMPLIFICATION
  • MTBP
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo MTBRP (88807)
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Send respiratory specimen (e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bronchial washing, or sputum) or 5 mm fresh tissue specimen refrigerated in a screw-capped, sterile container. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is also acceptable. Indicate specimen source and collection date/time.

Special Handling

Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection or specimen will be rejected

Normal Volume
1 mL respiratory specimen or 5 mm tissue
Minimum Volume
1 mL respiratory specimen or 5 mm tissue
Rejection Criteria
Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection or specimen will be rejected
Additional Information

This test is specific for, but does not differentiate among, members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, i.e., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium microti, and Mycobacterium canetti. Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
87556
Fee Code
32304
LOINC
38378-6