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VRDL Test Page - Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR

VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Detection - PCR

Information Category	Information Detail
Pre-Approval	None
Supplemental Information Requested	Requested: Travel history, symptoms, exposures (including animals, arthropods, etc), disease onset date, clinical summary, antibiotic therapy (drug name, dates of therapy)
Submittal Form	Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology	Real-time PCR (CDC) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing	None
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method	Human specimens: Respiratory specimens: NP and/or throat swabs in sterile collection tube with viral transport media Aspirates Bronchoalveolar lavage Tracheal aspirate in sterile collection tube Swabs must have a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft (same type as the ones used for influenza testing).
Minimum Volume Requested	Respiratory swab: 2-3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
Transport Medium (if using)	Swabs: Universal or Viral Transport Medium (the same medium used for Influenza testing)
Specimen Labeling	Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions	Respiratory swabs: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
Shipping Instructions	Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment. Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: CDPH VRDL ATTN: Specimen Receiving 850 Marina Bay Parkway Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time	20 Business Days
Limitations	Negative results do not preclude the possibility of infection.
Additional Information	Specimens should be collected as close to onset as possible and no longer than 14 days after onset.
VRDL Points of Contact	Testing Coordinator: Alice Chen (510) 307-8630 alice.chen@cdph.ca.gov

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