Mycoplasma DNA detection by PCR
General Information
Lab Name
Mycoplasma DNA detection by PCR
Lab Code
MPLDNA
Epic Name
Mycoplasma DNA detection by PCR
Description
Dectection and identification of Mycoplasma species and Ureaplasma species DNA.
Mycoplasma PCR has replaced Mycoplasma culturing in our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. PCR is able to detect fastidious Mycoplasma species, such as Mycoplasma genitalium, that do not grow in traditional Mycoplasma culture. MPLDNA can also detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and other less common Mycoplasma species.
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are bacteria that do not have a cell wall, which renders antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis (Beta-lactams such as penicillin) non-effective. Mycoplasma is the causative agent of several human diseases such as atypical pneumonia. Ureaplasma has been implicated in urethritis, premature birth, and neonatal atypical pneumonia. These organisms are difficult to culture and stain.
Our Mycoplasma real-time PCR assay via the LightCycler platform utilizes genus-specific primers and species-specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes for the identification of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma from clinical specimens. This provides a powerful and highly sensitive tool for the rapid diagnosis of these organisms.
For more information on this test, to download a requisition form, and for a list of acceptable and unacceptable specimens, please refer to: Molecular Diagnosis Microbiology Section Website
Synonyms
molecular Mycoplasma, Molecular Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma identification, Mycoplasma PCR, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Synonyms: 16S PCR, universal PCR, Ureaplasma identification, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma PCR, Ureaplasma urealyticum
Components
Interpretation
Method
DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing
Reference Range
See individual components
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see this page for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
Specimens should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers.
Acceptable Specimens
- Fresh frozen tissue
- Fresh frozen fluid: any body fluid is acceptable if it is not listed under Unacceptable Specimens. See common examples below.
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET): blocks, scrolls, and unstained slides are acceptable
- eSwabs and UTM (universal transport media)
Common acceptable body fluid examples: cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, urine, bronchial lavage, joint fluid, bone marrow, vitreous fluid, etc.
Additional Acceptable Specimens
- Sputum
Unacceptable Specimens
- Blood, serum, plasma, stool/rectal swabs
- No citrated or heparinized solutions
- No SPS (Sodium Polyanethole Sulfonate) e.g. Wampole Isolator Tubes
- Tissues floating in formalin
- Swab/fluid collected in tube containing agar
Handling Instructions
Fresh frozen tissue/fluid specimens should be submitted and maintained on dry ice.
Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET) can be sent ambient or with ice packs during warmer summer months to prevent melting.
Optimal Quantity:
- Fresh Tissue: 0.3-1.0 cm^3
- Fluid: 0.2-1 mL
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue (FFPE/PET): blocks are preferred and will be sent back to client upon completion of testing
- Scrolls/unstained slides: cross-sectional area >1cm^2 send 10 sections of 10µm thickness, if <1cm^2 send 20 sections if available
Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.
Quantity
requested: See Optimal Quantity above
minimum: Specimens below optimal quantity are acceptable for testing, however, diagnostic yield is generally proportional to specimen size.
Processing
UWMC/HMC – store and send specimen refrigerated and freeze specimens at -20°C upon arrival in UW-ML Microbiology. If specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C.
Freeze specimens at -20°C upon arrival
Outside Laboratories: Freeze specimens in sterile containers at -20°C. Transport all specimens on dry ice.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Micro Molecular Diag (MMD)
Performing Location(s)
| UW-MT |
Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room # NW177, |
|---|
Frequency
Fresh frozen tissues/fluids result in 2-3 business days after receipt of specimen. Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues result in 3-4 business days after receipt of specimen.
Available STAT?
No