Identification is performed using DNA probes directed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and M. avium complex. Cultures submitted on slants should be no more than 4 weeks old. Cultures submitted in Bactec bottles should have a GI >=500. Cultures submitted in other liquid media should have a turbidity >=1.0 McFarland Standard. The intensity of growth and viability of the culture are essential for avoiding false-negative results. A negative result may be due to the fact that the organism submitted is not of the species to which the DNA probes are directed, or it may be due to insufficient growth of the organism in the liquid medium that is submitted. At your request, liquid media cultures that have tested negative with both probes will be sub-cultured to new liquid media in an effort to enhance growth and will be re-tested for an additional charge. For re-testing, please request HPLC and Conventional Methods (Focus Unit Code 51175) or DNA probes (Focus Unit Code 51166 and/or 51176).

This test is approved for New York patient testing.