Method |
Qualitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) |
Specimen |
Respiratory specimens |
Required Specimen Volume |
5 ml sample |
Minimum Specimen Volume |
>2 ml sample |
Special Instructions |
- Submit 2-5 ml digested/decontaminated respiratory specimen in a sterile container.
- Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.
- Indicate specimen source on requisition.
- Identify method used for digestion and provide smear results.
- Include clinical diagnosis or relevant patient history on requisition (prior AFB positive patient)
|
Shipping Requirements |
Store and ship at refrigerated temperature 2-8° C, or frozen. Transport to lab as soon as possible. |
Stability |
- Room temperature - unacceptable, will be rejected.
- Refrigerated - 1 week
- Frozen - 1 month
|
Unacceptable Conditions |
Blood, paraffin blocks, stool, swabs, tissue, and urine. |
Turn-around-time |
24 hours, Monday through Friday. |