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| UWHC Lab Test Details | |
|---|---|
| Test Name | M. tuberculosis PCR |
| Test Code(s) | TBPCR |
| CPT Code(s) | 87556 |
| Clinical Information | This test detects the M. tuberculosis complex. This test is always performed on first smear positive specimens submitted to WSLH. |
| Link | https://apps.slh.wisc.edu/testrefsearch/public/searchTestDetails/7290/everything/getTests |
| Collection Requirements | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen | See collection instructions. | ||||
| Collection Container |
| ||||
| Collection Instructions | Submit 3-10 mL of a primary respiratory specimen (sputum, tracheal aspirate, brochial washing, BAL).
For primary, non-respiratory specimens (body fluids, CSF, stool, urine, lung and other tissues): Stool: 1 g in sterile container Tissue Biopsy: 1 g in sterile container Urine: 40 mL, first-morning, clean catch in sterile container (24-hour pooled specimen is unacceptable) Body Fluids (pleural, pericardial, etc.): 5-10mL in sterile container Bone Marrow: As much as available in sterile container or SPS tube CSF: As much as available in sterile container (minimum of 1 mL required) Skin Lesions: scrapings or exudates; swabs are not recommended.
Specimens with visible blood will be accepted. All specimens should be submitted in sterile, leak-proof containers. | ||||
| Specimen Processing Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Specimen Processing | TB PCR testing must be performed within 7 days of specimen collection. |
| Specimen Transport | Transport specimen to UWHC Hospital Laboratory. Transport with coolant pack if coming from clinic location. |
| Unacceptable Criteria | Specimens from patients who have undergone antimicrobial therapy for TB for more than 7 days in the past 12 months. Specimens from patients for whom suspicion of TB is low. |
| Interpretation | |
|---|---|
| Test Limitations | This tests detects M. tuberculosis complex but does not differentiate among its members. |
| Additional Information | AFB smear and culture must also be ordered on any specimen submitted for PCR testing. |
