Test Menu Details

On the General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the “Mycobacteria” section, check the “AFBPCR: AFB Culture Identification and PCR; isolate” box. Enter Date Culture Positive under test order.

All clients - Mycobacteriology labs

Wednesdays and Fridays on regular business days

Within 6 working days after receipt of specimen

Actively growing isolated acid fast organism, on solid or broth media

Detailed instructions for collection, packaging, and submission of specimens (pdf)

Solid media: visible growth. 

Seal tube, place in biohazard transport bag, place in a secondary transport container, and incubate at 37°C or store at room temperature (20-25°C) pending transport.

Package specimens to maintain room temperatures during transport.

Isolates not confirmed as acid fast organisms.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).

Isolates identified as MTBC by PCR will automatically reflex for susceptibility testing unless susceptibility testing is already in progress for the same patient. 

Isolates identified as MTBC are retained for 6 months after receipt at the laboratory. Isolates identified as MAC, non-speciated NTM, or Indeterminate, are retained for 3 months after receipt at the laboratory. 

For additional information or assistance, please contact the OSPHL at 503-693-4100.

Multiplex real-time semi-quantitative PCR

• Percent Accuracy - 100%
  
• Positive Predictive Value - 100%
  
• Negative Predictive Value - 100%
  
• Coefficient of Variation - 0.32
  
• Misclassification Rate - 0%
  
• Limit of Detection - <1 CFU/50 uL
  

• Percent Accuracy - 100%
• Positive Predictive Value - 100%
• Negative Predictive Value - 100%
• Coefficient of Variation - 0.31
• Misclassification Rate - 0%
• Limit of Detection - <1 CFU/50 uL