Test Detail

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Test Description		Contact: Molecular Biology and Virology (319) 335-4376 Test Request Form: Viral and Bacterial PCR SHL OpenELIS Code: 654
Nucleic acid amplification by PCR to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F	1 - 3 business days	Nucleic Acid Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$69.97	87581
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Preferred Specimen Types: Bronchial brushings, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), Sputum, Throat swab. Other acceptable specimen types: Combined Nasopharyngeal/Throat swabs, Nasal swab, Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. PCR is a very sensitive test, and precautions should be taken to not cross-contaminate specimens (i.e., wear gloves and change before and after collecting specimen. Avoid contact with environmental surfaces). DO NOT FREEZE SPECIMEN.
Collection Instructions:	Collect specimen using a SHL Virus Isolation and Detection Kit (contains M4-RT viral transport medium and swabs) or equivalent viral transport medium. Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab: Insert swab through the nostril into the nasopharynx until tip reaches the posterior nasopharynx (a distance equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient). Leave the swab in place for 10 - 30 seconds. Slowly remove with a rotating motion. Place swab tip into the 1.5 mL screw cap tube provided in the kit. Bend swab back and forth in the tube until the swab tip breaks at the point where the swab shaft becomes thicker. The break point is approximately 1.5 inches from the tip of the swab. Use caution and avoid touching any part of the swab that was inside the nostril to prevent contamination. Tightly cap the tube. Sputum: If possible, have the patient rinse mouth and gargle with water prior to sputum collection. An early morning specimen is best. Instruct the patient not to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge into container. Collect specimen resulting from deep cough in sterile screw-cap container. Satisfactory quality implies the presence of mucoid or mucopurulent material and is of greater significance than volume. Ideally, a sputum specimen should have a volume of 3-5 mL, although smaller quantities are acceptable if the quality is satisfactory.
Shipping:
Specimens should be stored and shipped under the same conditions. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location.
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerated (2-8°C); Overnight.
Rejection Criteria:	Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions: Sample obtained on cotton-tipped, wooden-shafted or calcium alginate swabs. Samples not received in the correct temperature range of 2-8°C will be rejected.
Expected Results:
Detected, Not Detected, Indeterminate, Equivocal
Comments
Presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA is indicative of atypical bacterial pneumonia.
Alternate Names
Mycoplasma PCR