TB PCR
Clinical Background:
The PCR assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA directly from respiratory specimens and in some very specific cases other specimen types (please contact the laboratory to discuss extra...
The PCR assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA directly from respiratory specimens and in some very specific cases other specimen types (please contact the laboratory to discuss extra pulmonary sample types) without waiting for growth in culture and therefore provides a more rapid result than conventional culture methods which can take between 2 and 8 weeks. Please note however that PCR should always be carried out in conjunction with culture
Read MoreTest Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Sputum, BAL or other respiratory sample in sterile universal. Please telephone to discuss extra pulmonary sample types
Sputum, BAL or other respiratory sample in sterile universal. Please telephone to discuss extra pulmonary sample types
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Sputum, BAL, ETS or other sample in sterile universal
Sputum, BAL, ETS or other sample in sterile universal
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
N/A
N/A
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C