Test:

AFB / Mycobacterium Identification 
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form with
Supplemental Forms  – NPHL MTB Supplemental Form.pdf

 
  Synonym:

Acid-fast bacteria identification, MTB confirmation 

 
  Method:

Standard method for identification of AFB; DNA probes available for M. tuberculosis complex, M. avium-intracellulare complex, and M. gordonae, as indicated; sequencing available for rapid growers

 
  Availability:

Test performed Monday - Friday 

 
  Specimen:

Actively growing isolated organism in pure culture

 
  Collection Device:

Actively growing isolated organism, in pure culture on Middlebrook 7H10, 7H11, or Lowenstein-Jensen agar slants or AFB automated system bottle (ESP, Bactec, Septi-check).
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms

 
  Volume:

 Not Applicable

 
  Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment: Ambient 15-25°C

 

Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.

 

Shippers must be certified in DOT Division 6.2 before shipping UN2814 Category A and recertified every 2 years.

All potential MTB complex isolates must be packed in an approved Category A shipping container. The isolate is placed inside a leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope or other KpA95 approved) with adsorbent material. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape. Attach airway bill and Shippers Declaration to top of box. Outer box must be labeled “UN 2814 Infectious Substances, affecting humans.”   Ship by FedEx; follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590. Omaha & Lincoln laboratories can ship via NPHL ground courier by calling client services (866) 290-1406 and request exclusive Category A courier.

 

Rapid Mycobacterium growers or probable non-MTB can be packaged and shipped as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance via NPHL ground courier.  Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container.  Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.

 

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

 
  Unacceptable:

Non-viable organism, mixed culture, leaking container, swabs 

 
  Specimen Stability:

Stable at  Ambient 15-25°C

 
  Reference Interval:

Complete identification of clinically-significant isolates 

 
  Reportable Disease:

MTB is reportable immediately to state or local health department  

 
  Comments:

Indicate source of specimen and any other pertinent information.
Include patient's PPD status, BCG immunization history, and prior anti-tuberculosis therapy, growth rate of organism
Indicate if Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) are suspected.

 
  Revised: 6/8/2021