Culture, Ureaplasma Species and Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma hominis Culture, Ureaplasma Culture, Culture, Ureaplasma

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232129, Beaker: MycoUreaCult, Quest: 871

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• This culture is for genital and/or urinary specimens ONLY.
• Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are highly fastidious in their requirements for growth. Specimens must be kept moist.
• Samples must be collected in Universal Transport Media that has been validated for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma transport, such as M4. Media only validated for viral transport is not acceptable.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One of the following specimen types:

1. Fluid (amniotic, semen, prostatic secretions, and urine).
• Collect in a sterile collection container. Fluid must be transferred to UTM after collection: Place 3.0 mL (minimum 1.0 mL) of fluid, swab, or tissue in UTM (Universal Transport Medium).
• Collect urine specimen from women by urethral catheterization. A first-void urine specimen should be collected from men.
• NOTE: Urethral swabs from men and vaginal or cervical swabs from women are preferred over urine specimens for detection of genital mycoplasmas.
2. Swab specimens in UTM (urethra, vagina, cervix).
• Flocked, Dacron and polyester swabs are acceptable.
• Collect by swabbing back and forth over the mucosa or surface to maximize recovery of cells.
• Place and swirl swab into UTM (Universal Transport Medium).
• NOTE: Do not use cotton swabs, vaginal lubricants or antiseptics prior to collection. They are inhibitory to these microorganisms.
• Respiratory samples are only acceptable from children under 1 year old.
• After collection, refrigerate up to 48 hours prior to shipment.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Place 3.0 mL (minimum 1.0 mL) of fluid, swab, or tissue in UTM (Universal Transport Medium). Arrange for transport to the Laboratory prior to specimen collection. Maintain specimens refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: All specimen types in an appropriate container, refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Rejection Criteria

• Storage transport at -20°C is NOT acceptable.
• Molecular transport systems.
• Wooden-shaft and calcium alginate swabs. 
• Urine containing preservatives.
• Specimen received in M4RT transport media.
• Specimens submitted in expired transport media.
• Specimens received greater than 24 hours after collection.
• Specimens not received in transport media.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Place 3.0 mL (minimum 1.0 mL) of fluid, swab, or tissue in UTM (Universal Transport Medium).

Transport: All specimen types in an appropriate container, frozen at (-70°C).

Storage or transport at -20°C is not acceptable. (Place specimens in smaller freezer located next to the -20 freezer in Royal Oak processing area)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 12 hours (preferred), 48 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Frozen (-70°C or -90°F): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Daily.
Results available 5-7 days.

Reference Range

Mycoplasma hominis	Not Isolated
Ureaplasma species	Not Isolated

Test Methodology

Culture

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Mycoplasma hominis/Ureaplasma Culture – Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are primarily associated with genital tract colonization and disease in adults and respiratory tract colonization and disease in newborns. Though controversial, these organisms have been associated with endometritis, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, post-partum infections, and infertility. Of particular concern is the causal relationship between central nervous system infections in the premature newborn and U. urealyticum.

CPT Codes

87109

Contacts

Last Updated

3/25/2026