Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR (Aspirated Fluids)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

GXTB

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2460

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 Hours

Synonyms

MTB Complex DNA Detection
TB PCR
Tuberculosis PCR

Turnaround Time

48 hours

Turnaround time excludes weekends and public holidays. Please discuss with the Clinical Microbiologist if urgent or non-routine specimens.

Specimen Type

  • Aspirate
  • Bone Marrow
  • Fluid Other
  • Pleural Fluid

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container
  • Citrate (Blue Cap)
  • CPD (Yellow Top Tube)
  • Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container
  • Citrate (Blue Cap)
  • CPD (Yellow Top Tube)
  • Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5

Additional Specimen Information

Bone Marrow: Collect into EDTA or CPD tube. All other fluids from sterile sites: Collect into Citrate, EDTA or CPD tube or appropriate sterile container.

Please note that EDTA is NOT ACCEPTABLE for Mycobacterial culture, only for PCR, if culture is required it is recommended to send in a plain sterile container.

Last updated: 13/04/2026