Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance Mutation PCR

Samples should be collected in sterile yellow lid containers unless otherwise specified below

• Aspirates
• Blood – EDTA tube
• Bronchial Lavages/Washings
• Fluids including CSFs
• Sputum
• Tissue 

Accurate detection of tuberculosis requires optimal sample volume collection – where possible, as much sample as can be safely collected (up to 10mL) should be obtained.

• Blood/Bone Marrow
  Minimum volume: 0.5-1 mL
  Preferred volume: 3-5 mL (maximum 5 mL)
• Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, gastric aspirate, pleural fluid, sputum
  Minimum volume: 0.5-1 mL
  Preferred volume: 5 mL
• Tissue/Bone Biopsy
  Minimum size: 1-5 mm
  Preferred size: 3 cm³ or as much as possible
• Lymph Node Aspirate/Joint Fluid Aspirate
  Minimum volume: 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 3 mL
• CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
  Minimum volume: 1 mL
  Preferred volume: 6-10 mL (dependent on age; as much as safely possible)

Mycobacterial culture is the gold standard for diagnosis of tuberculosis. If minimal sample is received, culture will be preferentially performed by the laboratory unless discussed and approved by the Microbiology Registrar/Microbiologist On-Call. 

LAB NOTES:
Forward all samples and add on requests to Bacteriology to organise sendaway to VIDRL.

Gastric Aspirates MUST be received and neutralised in the laboratory within 4 hours of collection. Please contact Bacteriology Laboratory ext 55739 if neutralisation agent is required.