Additional Testing Requirements

When non-fixed specimen is available, a mycobacterial culture on that specimen must always be performed in addition to this test. If your facility is unable to perform mycobacterial culture, order CTB / Mycobacteria and Nocardia Culture, Varies concurrently with this test.

Necessary Information

Specimen source is required.

Specimen Required

The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA is unlikely.

Preferred:

Supplies: Tissue Block Container (T553)

Specimen Type: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block

Sources: Body tissue

Container/Tube: Tissue block

Collection Instructions: Submit a FFPE tissue block to be cut and returned.

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections (scrolls)

Sources: Body tissue

Container/Tube: Sterile containers, one for each individual cut section (scroll).

Collection Instructions:

1. Perform microtomy and prepare five separate 10-micron sections.

2. Place each section (scroll) in a separate sterile container for submission.