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HelpTest ID: CTBBL Mycobacterial Culture, Blood
Reporting Name
Mycobacterial Culture, BUseful For
Diagnosing mycobacteremia
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.
Interpretation
A positive result may support the diagnosis of 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 |
| TBPB | Mycobacteria Probe Ident Broth | 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.
Report Available
42 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Pfyffer GE: Mycobacterium: General characteristics, laboratory detection, and staining procedures. In: Jorgensen JH, Pfaller MA, Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 11th ed. ASM Press; 2015:536-569
2. Reimer LG: Laboratory detection of mycobacteremia. Clin Lab Med. 1994;14:99-105
Method Name
Continuously Monitored Automated Broth Culture Instrument with Conventional Methods for Identification of Mycobacteria
Specimen Type
Whole bloodShipping 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/Isolator System
Specimen Volume: 8 to 10 mL per culture
Collection Instructions:
1. Send specimen in original tube.
2. Isolator System/SPS tubes are acceptable, but not preferred.
3. Draw blood in an Isolator/SPS tube and send 8 mL of whole blood in the original Isolator tube.
4. Note: when sending SPS tube, it must be clearly labeled SPS. If label is obscured, sample may be cancelled, as ACD (yellow top) is not an acceptable tube type.
Specimen Minimum Volume
5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Ambient (preferred) | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, mycobacteria is identified.
A final negative report will be issued after 42 days of incubation.
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, Broth(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)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CTBBL | Mycobacterial Culture, B | 64412-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CTBBL | Mycobacterial Culture, B | 64412-0 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric, mml-Spinal-Cord