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HelpTest ID: MTBRP Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Reporting Name
M tuberculosis Complex PCRUseful For
Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA (preferred method)
Detection of M tuberculosis, when used in conjunction with mycobacterial culture
This test does not assess M tuberculosis rifampin resistance.
This test should not be used to determine bacteriologic cure or to monitor response to therapy.
This test is not intended for the detection of latent tuberculosis and must not be used as a substitute for tests intended for detection of latent tuberculosis such as the tuberculin skin test or an interferon gamma release assay.
Clinical Information
Each year, Mycobacterium tuberculosis accounts for more than a million deaths and is responsible for millions of newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis worldwide. M tuberculosis is spread from person-to-person via respiratory transmission and has the potential to become resistant to many or all antibiotics currently used if antimycobacterial treatment is not promptly initiated. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of M tuberculosis in patient specimens is of clinical and public health importance.
Conventional culture methods can generally detect M tuberculosis in 2 to 3 weeks, although up to 8 weeks of incubation may be required in some instances. Developed at Mayo Clinic, this rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay detects M tuberculosis complex DNA directly from specimens without waiting for growth in culture and, therefore, the results are available rapidly after receipt in the laboratory. A mycobacterial culture must always be performed in addition to the PCR assay. The PCR assay is rapid, but the culture has increased sensitivity over the PCR assay. The PCR assay targets a unique sequence within the katG gene, which is present in members of the M tuberculosis complex. In addition, the assay can detect genotypic resistance to isoniazid mediated by mutations in the katG target, when present.
Interpretation
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.
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBT | Concentration, Mycobacteria | No, ( Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex test may be performed at an additional charge.
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Lewinsohn DM, Leonard MK, LoBue PA, et al. Official American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children. Clin Infect Dis. 2017;64(2):e1-e33. doi:10.1093/cid/ciw694
2. Nahid P, Dorman SE, Alipanah N, et al. Official American Thoracic Society/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines: Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(7):e147-e195. doi:10.1093/cid/ciw376
3. Ortiz-Brizuela E, Menzies D, Behr MA. Testing and treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Med Clin North Am. 2022;106(6):929-947. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2022.08.001
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Specimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
This test does not provide rifampin resistance information and is most useful for non-sputum specimens. For sputum specimens, the recommended test is MTBXS / Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Molecular Detection and Rifampin Resistance, PCR, Sputum. MTBXS provides rapid resistance information to aid with patient management.
Additional Testing Requirements
This test must always be performed in conjunction with mycobacterial culture. If your facility is unable to perform mycobacterial culture, order CTB / Mycobacteria and Nocardia Culture, Varies concurrently with this test.
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; if greater than 7 days of collection, the specimen will be rejected.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit a raw clinical sample (not a culture isolate) for testing.
Fresh, undigested specimens are preferred. If no fresh specimen is available, digested respiratory specimens treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine/sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH) are acceptable for some specimen types. For detailed information, see the Specimen Type information below.
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA is unlikely.
If a single specimen is being shared between mycobacteria culture, acid-fast smear, and/or M tuberculosis PCR, a minimum volume of 2 mL for body fluid, 3 mL for respiratory specimen, or a pea-sized piece of tissue should be obtained. Specimen volumes less than indicated may decrease sensitivity of testing. If insufficient volume is submitted, test or tests will be canceled.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred Specimen Types
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Body, bone marrow aspirate, ocular, or CSF
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested body fluids are acceptable.
Specimen Type: Gastric washing
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Neutralize specimen within 4 hours of collection with 20 mg of sodium carbonate per 2 mL of gastric washing.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: BAL, bronchial washing, tracheal secretion, or sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL if only PCR ordered or 3 mL if PCR ordered with smear and culture
Additional Information: Before collecting sputum specimens, see Ordering Guidance.
Specimen Type: Feces
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 g
Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested fecal specimens are acceptable.
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Fresh tissue, bone, or bone marrow biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 mm
Collection Instructions: Keep moist with sterile water or sterile saline
Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested tissue is acceptable.
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.
Acceptable Specimen Types
Specimen Type: NALC/NaOH-digested respiratory specimens
Sources: Lavage fluid, bronchial washing, gastric washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.
2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body fluid, nondigested respiratory specimen, urine: 0.5 mL; Fresh tissue or bone: 5 mm; NALC-NaOH-digested specimen, gastric washing: 1 mL; Stool: 5 g
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Not applicable
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87556-Mycobacterium tuberculosis, complex, molecular detection, PCR
87015-Mycobacteria culture, concentration (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MTBRP | M tuberculosis Complex PCR | 38379-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC62 | MTB Complex PCR, Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 56044 | MTB Complex PCR, Result | 38379-4 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric