Test ID CTB Mycobacteria and Nocardia Culture, Varies
Useful For
Detection and identification of Mycobacterium species, Nocardia species, and other aerobic actinomycetes
Identification is performed using the Hologic/GenProbe AccuProbes for selected Mycobacterium species, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, or 500-base pair 16S rRNA gene sequencing
M tuberculosis complex species identification can be done upon request using rapid PCR targeting the regions of difference (RD) genomic areas
Special Instructions
Method Name
Automated Detection of Positive Cultures Followed by Organism Identification with Rapid Methods, which may include Nucleic Acid Probes, DNA Sequencing, and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry
Reporting Name
Mycobacterial CultureSpecimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
1. Specimen source is required.
2. Alert the laboratory if Mycobacterium genavense is suspected, as this species requires addition of mycobactin J to the culture medium for optimal growth and recovery.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube: SPS/Isolator System or green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Gastric washing
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL
Collection Instructions: Neutralize specimen within 4 hours of collection with 100 mg of sodium carbonate per 5 to 10 mL of gastric wash.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bronchial washing, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect 3 respiratory specimens for acid-fast smears and culture in patients with clinical and chest X-ray findings compatible with tuberculosis.
2. These 3 specimens should be collected at 8- to 24-hour intervals (24 hours when possible) and should include at least 1 first-morning specimen.
Specimen Type: Stool
Supplies: Stool Collection Kit, Random (T635)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 g
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm
Collection Instructions: Collect a fresh tissue specimen.
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 20-50 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.
Fresh tissue or body fluid is the preferred specimen type instead of a swab specimen.
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Wound, tissue, or body fluid
Container/Tube: Culture transport swab (noncharcoal) culturette
Specimen Volume: Adequate specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Before collecting specimen, wipe away any excessive amount of secretion and discharge, if appropriate.
2. Obtain secretions or fluid from source with sterile swab.
3. If smear and culture are requested or both a bacterial culture and mycobacterial culture are requested, collect a second swab to maximize test sensitivity.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body Fluid: 1.5 mL
Respiratory Specimen: 3 mL
Fresh Tissue: pea-sized piece
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
87116-Mycobacterial Culture
87015-Mycobacteria Culture, Concentration (if appropriate)
87118-Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec AFB (if appropriate)
87150-Mycobacteria Probe Ident, Solid (if appropriate)
87150-Mycobacteria Probe Ident, Broth(if appropriate)
87150-Id, Mtb Speciation, PCR (if appropriate)
87153-Mycobacteria Identification by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87176-Tissue Processing (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CTB | Mycobacterial Culture | 50941-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CTB | Mycobacterial Culture | 50941-4 |
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, a reflex test may be performed and charged.
The following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
ISMY | ID by 16S Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
RMALM | Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec AFB | No, (Bill Only) | No |
RTBSP | Id, Mtb Speciation, PCR | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TBMP | Mycobacteria Probe Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TBPB | Mycobacteria Probe Ident Broth | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TBT | Concentration, Mycobacteria | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.