Skip Navigation LinksMycoplasma-pneumoniae-PCR

VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Detection - PCR

ā€‹ā€‹ā€‹Information CategoryInformation Detail
Pre-ApprovalNone
Supplemental Information RequestedRequested: Travel history, symptoms, exposures (including animals, arthropods, etc), disease onset date, clinical summary, antibiotic therapy (drug name, dates of therapy)
Submittal FormSpecimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal ā€‹Formā€‹ (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology Real-time PCR (CDC) (Diagnostic)
Reflex TestingNone
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 LabelingEach 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 Conditionsā€‹
  • 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 ā€“ 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 Time20 Business Days
LimitationsNegative results do not preclude the possibility of infection.
Additional InformationSpecimens should be collected as close to onset as possible and no longer than 14 days after onset.
VRDL Points of ContactTesting Coordinator: Alice Chen (510) 307-8630 alice.chen@cdph.ca.gov ā€‹
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