Detection of acid-fast bacilli in clinical specimens
MTBRP (Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, Molecular Detection, PCR) is the preferred test for rapid, direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical specimens
Specimen Type
Body fluid
Bone marrow
Gastric washing
Respiratory
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Bronchial washing
Sputum
Stool
Tissue
Urine
Wounds
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube: SPS/Isolator System or green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources:
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Bronchial washing
Sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions:
Collect 3 respiratory specimens for acid-fast smears and culture in patients with clinical and chest X-ray findings compatible with tuberculosis.
These 3 specimens should be collected at 8- to 24-hour intervals (24 hours when possible) and should include at least 1 first-morning specimen
Specimen Type: Stool
Supplies: Stool Collection Kit, Random (T635)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 g
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm
Collection Instructions: Collect a fresh tissue specimen
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources:
Wound
Tissue
Body fluid
Additional Information: Fresh tissue or body fluid is the preferred specimen type instead of a swab specimen. Recovery of mycobacteria and aerobic actinomycetes from swabs is variable
Container/Tube: Culture transport swab (noncharcoal) Culturette
Specimen Volume: Adequate specimen
Collection Instructions:
Before collecting specimen, wipe away any excessive amount of secretion and discharge, if appropriate
Obtain secretions or fluid from source with sterile swab
Only collect a swab if unable to collect a tissue or fluid
If smear and culture are requested or both a bacterial culture and mycobacterial culture are requested, collect a second swab to maximize test sensitivity.
Minimum Sample Volume
Varies; If mycobacterial culture is also requested, then 1.5 mL for body fluid, 3 mL for respiratory specimen, or a peasized piece of fresh tissue. If smear only is requested, then 0.5 mL for body fluid, 3 mL for respiratory specimen, or a pea-sized piece of fresh tissue.
Required Information
Specimen source is required
Stability
Refrigerated (preferred):7 days
Ambient: 7 days
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Blood
Serum
Limitations
Artifacts may exhibit nonspecific fluorescence and be confused with organisms.
