Home
HelpTest ID CTBBL Mycobacterial Culture, Blood
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must be processed within 72 hours of collection.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Green top (sodium or lithium heparin)
Acceptable: SPS
Specimen Volume: 8 to 10 mL per culture
Collection Instructions:
1. Send specimen in original tube.
2. SPS tubes are acceptable, but not preferred.
3. Note: SPS tubes must be clearly labeled as SPS. If label is obscured, sample may be cancelled, as ACD (yellow top) is not an acceptable tube type.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
82443Useful For
Diagnosing mycobacteremia
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISMY | ID by 16S Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| RMALM | Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec AFB | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| RTBSP | Id, Mtb Speciation, PCR | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| TBMP | Mycobacteria Probe Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| LCTB | Id, MTB complex Rapid PCR | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
Continuously Monitored Automated Broth Culture Instrument with Conventional Methods for Identification of Mycobacteria
Reporting Name
Mycobacterial Culture, BSpecimen Type
Whole bloodSpecimen Minimum Volume
5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Ambient (preferred) | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Clinical Information
Mycobacteremia occurs most often in immunocompromised hosts. The majority of disseminated mycobacterial infections are due to Mycobacterium avium complex but bacteremia can also be caused by other mycobacterial species including, but not limited to, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Mycobacterium szulgai, and Mycobacterium xenopi.(1)
Mycobacterial blood cultures may be indicated for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of sepsis, especially fever of unknown origin.
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, mycobacteria is identified.
A final negative report will be issued after 42 days of incubation.
Cautions
Results must be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's history and clinical picture.
A negative result does not rule out mycobacteremia. The organism may be present at quantities below the limit of detection or may be transiently present.
If Mycobacterium genavense is suspected, indicate on request form or contact laboratory. Mycobactin J (an iron supplement) will then be added to the culture to support growth.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
42 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87116-Mycobacterial Culture
87118-Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec AFB (if appropriate)
87150-Id, Mtb Speciation, PCR (if appropriate)
87150-Mycobacteria Probe Ident, Solid (if appropriate)
87153-Mtb PZA Confirmation, pcnA sequence (if appropriate)
87153-Mycobacteria Identification by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87150- Id, MTB complex Rapid PCR (if appropriate)