M. tuberculosis Complex Secondary Typing

Secondary Typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC). MTBC constitutes of a genetically related group that encompasses M. tuberculosis (including 'M. tuberculosis subsp canettii'), M. bovis, M. bovis BCG, M. africanum, M. caprae, M. microti and M. pinnipedii.

Solid or liquid media growth. For solid media growth, isolated colonies on plated media are preferred. For liquid culture, a minimum volume of 4 mL of actively growing culture is preferred. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species must show visible growth and be no more than 4 weeks old.

Ship all cultures 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.

Requisitions must be faxed prior to shipping isolates to NRCM - attention Joyce Wolfe, Program Chief, NRCM/NML at 204-789-2036. NRCM requisition 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 isolate characteristics: microscopy, pigmentation, culture characteristics, growth rate/temperature, and identification. Requested testing for urgent submissions should be accompanied with justification.

Submitted cultures will be rejected and a resubmission requested if there is inadequate growth, or there is contamination. Cultures will also be rejected if appropriate documentation and justification is incomplete or missing.

Please contact the laboratory.

Please contact the laboratory.