Test Directory

Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, PCR, is a highly sensitive method to detect the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in clinical specimens.

BAL:

1. Collect bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial washing in a sterile container.

Swab:

1. Collect a throat or nasopharyngeal utilizing a universal transport medium (UTM) kit.
2. Do NOT use calcium alginate swabs, as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing.

CSF:

1. Collect CSF via lumbar puncture.

Fluid Specimens:

1. Transfer 1 mL of fluid to a sterile aliquot tube (screw cap).

Swab Specimens:

1. Break applicator sticks off near the tip to permit tightening of the cap.
2. Transport swab with 3 mL of media in the original collection container.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

• Calcium alginate swabs

 See patient report.

The diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be determined in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. Moreover, this assay cannot differentiate between viable and nonviable organisms. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA at detectable levels in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, PCR
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR
• M. pneumoniae by PCR