Mycoplasma DNA detection by PCR

General Information

Lab Name

Lab Code

MPLDNA

Epic Ordering

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

Code	Name
MP16RS	Mycoplasma PCR: Detection, 16S rDNA
MP16ID	Mycoplasma PCR: Identification, 16S rDNA
MPLSI	Mycoplasma PCR: Specimen Description
MPLSPI	Mycoplasma PCR: External Identifier
MPLSR	Mycoplasma PCR: Special Requests
MPLSC	Mycoplasma PCR: Specimen Comments
MPLNAE	Mycoplasma PCR: Specimen DNA Extraction
MPREV	Mycoplasma PCR: Pathologist Review
MPLME	Mycoplasma PCR: Method Note

Interpretation

Method

DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing

Reference Range

See individual components

Guidelines

Specialty testing for Molecular Microbiology

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Tissue (Fresh frozen or paraffin-embedded), Fluid (see Acceptable Specimens for details)

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

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, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

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?

Billing & Coding

CPT codes: 87801
LOINC: 23301-5
Interfaced Order Code: UOW4394