Test Order

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) - Identification (ID)
CDC-10225

Synonym(s)

nontuberculous (Non-TB) mycobacteria (NTM), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium, mycobacteria Identification, mycobacteria other than TB (MOTT)

Test Order Status

This Test Order is currently accepting specimens.

CDC Pre-Approval Needed

Nadege Toney
(404) 639-1282
ngc6@cdc.gov

Stephen LaVoie
(404) 718-4747
qea5@cdc.gov

Supplemental Information Required

The CDC Form 50.34 Specimen Submission Form or GFAT must include the State Public Health Department contact information, previous testing results demonstrating that the isolate is pure and is not a part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), as well as the date the submitted culture was inoculated onto transport media and the date visible growth was observed for the submitted isolate.

For isolates from wounds or surgical sites, document that nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) was abundant on primary culture (3+ to 4+) or was the only organism isolated.

For isolates from sputum, document that NTM was from two or more sputum cultures, collected on different days; was the only mycobacterial species present and that there was abundant growth on primary culture.

Supplemental Form

None

Performed on Specimens from

Human

Acceptable Sample/ Specimen Type for Testing

Pure cultural isolates of NTMs demonstrated to not be part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) from the following sources: Sterile sites (e.g. Whole blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), other body fluids); Abscess, exudate or skin lesion; Wounds or surgical sites (see Supplemental Information); Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)/bronchial wash; Sputum (see Supplemental Information); Gastric lavage (pediatric).

Minimum Volume Required

Not Applicable

Collection, Storage, and Preservation of Specimen Prior to Shipping

Store pure culture isolates at room temperature (15-25 °C) for up to 7 days or at refrigerated temperature (2-8 °C) up to 14 days. Isolates being stored more than 14 days should be frozen (-20 °C or lower). Ship isolates as soon as possible to ensure viability.

Transport Medium

Transport pure culture isolates at room temperature (15-25 °C) or refrigerated (2-8 °C) on Lowenstein-Jensen agar, Middlebrook 7H10/7H11 agar or Middlebrook 7H9 broth. Transport frozen isolates in Middlebrook 7H9 broth.

NOTE: The Mycobacteria Growth Indicator tube (MGIT) is not acceptable transport media. BacT/ALERT and VersaTREK culture media bottles are also not acceptable transport media.

Specimen Labeling

Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires two primary patient identifiers (e.g., patient first and last name, date of birth, unique patient identifier from time of collection, such as medical record number) on the specimen container and on the test requisition.

Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements

CDC does not accept routine shipments on weekends or holidays. Please make sure packages arrive Monday – Friday. Ship pure culture isolates overnight at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. Room-temperature samples should be shipped with room-temperature cold packs. Refrigerated samples should be shipped with refrigerated or frozen cold packs. Frozen samples should be shipped frozen with dry ice.

Ship To:
[Insert CDC Point of Contact]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
RDSB/STATT Unit 13
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
[Insert CDC Point of Contact’s Telephone Number]

All samples must be shipped in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. Upon shipment, submitter should send an email to the CDC POC providing shipping company, shipped date and package tracking number.

Methodology

16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene and β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase (rpoB) sequencing, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF), additional phenotypic testing.

Turnaround Time

8 Weeks

Interferences & Limitations

Pure culture isolates must be viable for testing.

Additional Information

Contact the CDC POC for approval prior to submitting any specimen. If a healthcare facility will be submitting samples directly to CDC they must receive prior approval from the State Health Department. Isolates require specific documentation depending on the site of collection as outlined in the Supplemental Information Required section. If submitting pure culture isolate(s) for testing, the original culture/isolate/inoculum should be maintained by the submitter until results are reported, indicating that CDC testing is completed.

CDC Points of Contact