Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) from Clinical Samples

Real-time PCR based detection of MTBC in clinical samples using various molecular targets.

Please consult with the NRCM Program Manager/designate to determine if your sample is appropriate for this type of testing.

Clinical samples such as, but not restricted to, fresh tissues or sediment from decontaminated samples.

Ship at room temperature (DO NOT freeze) for overnight delivery, and prior to Wednesday each week to ensure receipt by Friday.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Please consult with the NRCM prior to submitting a sample for MTBC detection.

• Special request only. Test request must be made with prior consultation with NRCM manager/designate.

• Justification by physician in-charge must be included on requisition form.

• Requisitions, along with justification, must be faxed prior to shipping isolates to NRCM - attention Joyce Wolfe, Program Manager, NRCM/NML at 204-789-2036. Requisition for the NRCM and the Request Form for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Detection from Direct Patient Samples must be completed and signed off by the supervisor/designate of the submitting laboratory and include the source of specimen, patient gender, date of birth, clinical history, submitting laboratory identifier and submitter information. Also include microscopy results, along with any other information relevant to the submitted sample.

Processed or clinical sample requirements are outlined on the Request Form for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Detection from Direct Patient Samples. Samples may be rejected if a low volume of sample is submitted, or appropriate documentation and justification is incomplete or missing.

A variety of molecular methods such as real-time PCR for the detection of IS6110 and RD9 may be employed for testing.

Within 2 working days.

1. Eisenach KD, Cave MD, Bates JH, and Crawford JT. (1990) Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a repetitive DNA sequence specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Infect. Dis. 161:977-981.

2. Huard RC, de Oliveira Lazzarini LC, Butler WR, van Soolingen D, and Ho JL. (2003) PCR-Based Method To Differentiate the Subspecies of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex on the Basis of Genomic Deletions. J. Clin. Microbiol. 41:1637.