Test Details
Methodology
Culture
Result Turnaround Time
15 - 21 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
Culture; isolation and identification if culture results warrant (additional charges/CPT code[s] may apply). CPT coding for microbiology and virology procedures often cannot be determined before the culture is performed.
Use
Isolate and identify Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (eg, sputum). Indicate a specific test number on the request form.
Limitations
The culture procedure is not often used because it is slow and somewhat insensitive; two weeks or more are often required for isolation and definitive identification of positive cultures.
Custom Additional Information
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is acquired via the respiratory route from small-particle aerosols or large droplets of secretions. The organism can penetrate the mucociliary barrier of respiratory epithelium and produce cellular injury and ciliostasis that may account for the prolonged cough observed clinically. Most infections are observed in older children and young adults. Early infection in infancy or childhood may increase the severity of subsequent infections. The recently described M genitalium might play a role in the pathogenesis of M pneumoniae disease.1 Cold agglutinins and Mycoplasma pneumoniae complement fixation serology have been the mainstays of diagnosis because of the limitations and long turnaround time for cultures; however, immunofluorescence techniques and immunoassays to detect antibodies to M pneumoniae are available and are the recommended diagnostic methods. These tests are not yet available for routine testing. Consult the laboratory for availability of specific tests and specific instructions for specimen collection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Throat swabs, sputum, bronchial washings, lung tissue, tracheal aspiration
Container
Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport provided by LabCorp, or other appropriate transport medium
Collection Instructions
Specimens should be collected as usual and put in viral transport immediately. Do not use swabs with wooden shafts.
Reference Range
No Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additives; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); specimen stored or transported at room temperature; wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label
References
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 086876 | Mycoplasma pneumoniae Culture | 19054-6 | 086876 | Mycoplasma pneumoniae Culture | 19054-6 | |
| Order Code | 086876 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Mycoplasma pneumoniae Culture | |||||
| Order Loinc | 19054-6 | |||||
| Result Code | 086876 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Mycoplasma pneumoniae Culture | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 19054-6 |