Mycobacterium PCR

Synonyms: tuberculosis PCR test, mycobacterial DNA test.
Blood, urine, sputum, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid
Yellow cap (ACD) Vacutainer^®

Since microbiological culture requires long and precise incubation conditions, the tuberculosis PCR test is advantageous as it provides a rapid result. Clinical and therapeutic measures are often initiated earlier than an accurate diagnosis is established. There are publications indicating that the PCR tuberculosis test increases not only the specificity of microscopy but also bacterial culture examination. For example, a case may not show TB infection based on microscopic appearance or bacterial culture data, but may be positive based on PCR. Reagents are now produced to identify all forms of mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium complex, etc. The test also detects non-viable pathogens, which may be clinically inactive, especially after antibiotic treatment. Essentially, PCR, smear microscopy, and culture are complementary tests. The algorithm for the examination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is presented, based on PCR and other diagnostic tests.

Source | Handbook of Basic Laboratory Tests | Doctor of Medical Sciences Gintaras Zaleskis