| Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex PCR (8000101250) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | |
| Specimen Requirements: | Sputum - Appearance of sputum specimen must indicate a lower respiratory tract collection. If the specimen is watery, looks like saliva, or contains obvious food particles, testing will be delayed. Other sources - test will be performed upon director approval. |
| Test Included: | An AFB culture must be ordered with this test. |
| Collection: | Sputum - Expectorated or induced sputum collected by standard techniques. Other sources - submit in sterile, leakproof container
|
| Container: | Sterile, leakproof container |
| Minimum Volume: | Sputum - minimum 3 mL Other sources - minimum 2 mL
|
| Storage/Transport: | Transport to the lab as soon as possible after collection |
| Stability: | Room temperature - 8 hours; refrigerated - 3 days |
| Causes for Rejection: | Leaking containers, unlabeled or mislabeled specimens, more than two negative specimens per week, more than one positive result per 60 days |
| Reference Range: | Negative |
| Turnaround Time: | Sputum specimens that meet the acceptance criteria are tested as received in the lab with a 4 hour turnaround time. Otherwise, the specimen must undergo processing/concentration which is performed Monday through Friday. For other specimens, the test is performed Monday through Friday. |
| Methodology: | PCR |
| Performed: | Clinical Microbiology |
| Synonyms: | MTB PCR, MTB DNA, TB PCR, TB DNA, AFB, acid-fast bacteria, tuberculosis, mycobacteria |
| Clinical Indication: | Suspected tuberculosis (TB) infection |
| CPT 4 Code: | 87556 |
| Note: | This test will be reflexed on the first two sputum specimens (collected at least 8 hours apart) ordered for AFB culture within a 30 day period. (Sputum specimens received from TDCJ units are excluded.) |
| When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent. | |