Acid Fast Bacilli Biochemicals, Basic

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: MZZ0451A

CPT: 87118

 

Synonym(s): Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identification, phenotypic identification
Requisition Form G-MYCO
Test Description Identification of mycobacterial isolates referred to DSHS Laboratory by biochemical tests
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A  
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Pure isolate from human sources
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Mycobacterium species pure isolate in liquid or on solid culture medium
Minimum Volume/Size Required

Liquid culture - 2.0 mL

Solid culture - Single mature colony

Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping Ambient
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form. 
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49
  • Category B shipping applies for unidentified isolates
Method
  • Biochemical testing to detect the presence of absence of an enzyme
  • Physiological testing
Turn-around Time 14 days
Interferences/Limitations
  • Identification by biochemical tests is performed in conjunction with the morphological characteristics of the isolate and the HPLC pattern derived from cell wall analysis.
  • Biochemical testing can be affected by the age of the culture.
  • Identification by biochemical testing is limited and may not differentiate species without testing such as sequencing or mass spectrometry.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Cultures overgrown by mold
  • Cultures broken in transit
Additional Information

Basic biochemical testing includes the most common biochemical panel used in the identification of Mycobacterium species.