Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, PCR, Respiratory

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, PCR, M tuberculosis Complex PCR

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232249, Beaker: M tuberculos, Quest: 30298

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 3.0 mL bronchial or tracheal lavage / wash or sputum or pleural fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Body fluid in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Swabs.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Transport: Body fluid or fresh tissue in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen: (-20°C/-4°F or below): 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 in 2-4 days. 

Reference Range

Not detected.

Test Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

CPT Codes

87556

Contacts

Last Updated

12/19/2025