Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rifampin PCR-12932
Test info
MTB/RIF PCR
TB
TB PCR
An MTB/RIF PCR result of “not detected”, from either one or two sputum specimens, is highly predictive of the absence of M. tuberculosis bacilli on fluorescent acid-fast sputum smears from patients with suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis, and can be used as an aid in the decision of whether continued airborne infection isolation is warranted.
- Test must be ordered in conjunction with an AFB culture & smear (6617/LAB6617)
- Test may also be ordered as an add-on to an AFB culture & smear up to 7 days after collection of the sample
Specimen
- Induced or expectorated sputum
- First morning sputa yield best results
Screw cap plastic container (sterile)
Induced sputum container
Induced sputum container
Refrigerated (preferred) - 10 days
Ambient - 3 days
- Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
- Time delay between time of collection and receipt of specimen
- Improper transport container
- Improper transport temperature
- Interfering substances
- Inappropriate specimen type
- Leaking container
Performance
Real Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Clinical and Interpretive info
Not detected
Positive or invalid
The MTB/RIF PCR Assay is not indicated for use with sputum samples from patients being treated with antituberculosis drugs, either to determine bacteriologic cure, or to monitor response of the therapy.
A negative test does not exclude the possibility of isolating MTB-complex from the sputum sample. The MTB/RIF PCR assay must be used in conjunction with mycobacterial culture to address the risk of false negative results, and to recover the organism for further characterization and susceptibility testing.
A positive test does not necessarily indicate the presence of viable organisms.
MTB positive samples will detect and report the presence or absence of mutations associated with Rifampin resistance (at an additional charge)
Billing
Additional CPT code (if appropriate):
87798