Atypical Mycobacterium (Leprosy)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SEQ

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2701

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Samples for Mycobacterium leprae testing are registered in the Microbiology Department.

Laboratory

Send samples to the Microbiology Department, Monday to Sunday.

Sample Stability

Fresh tissue and skin biopsies are stable at 2–8°C, should be frozen at ≤−20°C for longer-term storage.

Synonyms

Mycobacterium leprae PCR

Turnaround Time

1 week

Specimen Type

• Biopsy

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• N/A

Additional Specimen Information

Skin/punch biopsy in saline is the preferred specimen type.

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Sample requirements:
Fresh tissue/punch biopsy: submit in a sterile container.

Sample stability:
Fresh tissue/punch biopsy: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.

Transport:
Transport chilled at 2–8°C.

For any enquiries regarding specimen suitability or testing, please contact a Clinical Microbiologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Test Method

PCR targeting the hsp65 and 16S rRNA genes, followed by Sanger sequencing for bacterial identification.

Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Microbiologist via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Contact Information