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Mycobacteriology
The Mycobacteriology Unit serves as a reference laboratory for the
identification of mycobacteria. This unit also offers isolation and
identification of mycobacteria from clinical specimens.
Susceptibility testing for the first and second line anti-tuberculosis drugs is
performed in this unit on isolates of M. tuberculosis complex (Mtb). For
a more extensive drug susceptibility profile, isolates are sent to Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can take longer for drug
susceptibility results if the patient shows resistance to any drugs. Submitters
requesting results faxed to them must submit a CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE stating
that their fax machine is in a secure location accessible ONLY to
authorized personnel.
Turn-Around Times
| Smear Results: |
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Positive smear (Phoned, mailed and faxed)
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24 - 48 hours
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Negative smear (mailed)
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24 - 48 hours
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Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct (AMTD) Test:
Performed on first-time positive smears and on special requests with prior
arrangement
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| Results (Phoned, mailed and faxed upon request)
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24 hours
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| Culture Results: |
AFB positive cultures
(Phoned, mailed and faxed upon request)
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1 - 4 weeks
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AFB Negative cultures (mailed)
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8 weeks
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Genetic Probe Test (GP):
Performed weekly on AFB positive cultures
Results (phoned and mailed)
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1 - 4 weeks
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| If genetic probes are negative for Mtb Complex (MTBC), M. avium
complex (MAC), M. gordonae, and M. kansasii, then the culture is
considered atypical or a MOTT (Mycobacterium Other Than Tuberculosis),
and will be identified using biochemical analysis.
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Biochemical Analysis
Results (phoned and mailed)
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4 months
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| Drug Susceptibility Test |
Performed on confirmed Mtb cultures
Bactec*
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7 - 10 days
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| Plate method**
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4 weeks
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* Bactec drugs employed: Streptomycin, Isoniazid,
Rifampin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide.
** Plate method drugs employed: Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol,
Ethionamide,
P-aminosalicyclic acid, Ofloxacin, Amikacin
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Microbiology Forms
For further information please refer to the
PHL Directory of Services
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