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HelpTest ID URRP Ureaplasma species, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum from genitourinary, reproductive, bone and joint, and lower respiratory sources
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Using LightCycler and Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Ureaplasma PCRSpecimen Type
VariesThe high sensitivity of amplification by PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Ureaplasma DNA is not likely.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Vaginal, cervix, urethra, urogenital, chest/mediastinal, bronchus (donor swab), upper respiratory sources (only infants <3 months: nasopharynx, nose, throat)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Culture swab transport system (Dacron or rayon swab with aluminum or plastic shaft with either Stuart or Amies liquid medium)
Acceptable: Swab in transport media: M4, M5 (Supply T484), universal transport media, or ESwab
Specimen Volume: 1 swab
Collection Instructions:
Vaginal:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Urethra or Cervical:
1. Collect specimen by inserting swab 1 to 3 cm and rotating 360 degrees.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Wound:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over wound surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Pelvic fluid, amniotic fluid, prostatic secretions, semen, reproductive drainage or fluid, synovial fluid, pleural/chest fluid, chest tube fluid, pericardial fluid, sputum, tracheal secretions, bronchial washings, bronchoalveolar lavage, lung fluid; nasal washings (only infants <3 months)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Sterile container
Acceptable: Specimen in 3 mL of transport media: M4, M5 (Supply T484), or universal transport media
Specimen Volume: 1-2 mL
Specimen Type: Urine, kidney/bladder stone, ureter
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL or entire specimen
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Placenta, products of conception, respiratory, bronchus, chest/mediastinal, bone, joint
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 mm(3)
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue.
Specimen Type: EDTA plasma
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA aliquot
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Fluid: 1 mL; Plasma, Whole Blood: 1 mL; Urine: 2 mL; Swab: 1 swab; Tissue: 5 mm(3)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum have been associated with a number of clinically significant infections, although their clinical significance may not always be clear as they are part of the normal genital flora. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum have been associated with urethritis and epididymitis. They may cause upper urinary tract infection and they have been associated with infected renal stones. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum may be isolated from amniotic fluid of women with preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous term labor, or chorioamnionitis. They may also cause neonatal infections, including meningoencephalitis and pneumonia. In addition, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum have been reported to cause unusual infections, such as prosthetic joint infection and infections in transplant recipients.
Recently, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum have been found to cause hyperammonemia in lung transplant recipients.(1) In lung transplant recipients with hyperammonemia, the ideal diagnostic specimen is a lower respiratory specimen (eg, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), although Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum may also be detected in blood. Treatment directed against these organisms has resulted in resolution of hyperammonemia.
Culture of Ureaplasma species is laborious, requiring a high degree of technical skill and taking several days. PCR detection is sensitive, specific, and provides same-day results. In addition, PCR allows the differentiation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, which is not easily accomplished with culture. PCR assay has replaced conventional culture for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum at Mayo Medical Laboratories due to its speed and equivalent performance to culture.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
Interfering substances may affect the accuracy of this assay; results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and epidemiological findings.
Since Ureaplasma species may be part of the normal flora, results should be interpreted accordingly.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798 x 2