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HelpEpic Code LAB1231998 Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR
Test Name Alias
LAB1231881 | Quest: 15498 | M. pneumoniae by PCR
Interface Order Alias
1231998
Clinical Information
Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR - Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, PCR, is a highly sensitive method to detect the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in clinical specimens.
The diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be determined in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. Moreover, this assay cannot differentiate between viable and nonviable organisms. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA at detectable levels in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Collection Criteria
1 mL sputum or bronchial lavage/wash collected in a sterile, leak-proof plastic container or throat or nasopharyngeal swab in M4 media or V-C-M medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM)
Nasopharyngeal and throat swab in M4, V-C-M (UTM) media: Use only sterile Dacron® or rayon swabs. Do not use calcium alginate swabs, as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing. Break applicator sticks off near the tip to permit tightening of the cap.
Sputum: Collect in a sputum collection kit or a sterile, leak-proof plastic container.
Bronchial lavage: Collect in a sterile, leak-proof plastic container.
Alternative Specimen(s): Cerebrospinal fluid
Specimen Transport Temperature
Transport: 1.0 mL sputum or bronchial lavage/wash in sterile leak-proof plastic container Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) (Minimum: 0.35 mL sputum or bronchial lavage/wash)
Rejection Criteria
- Specimens not collected or processed as indicated.
- Calcium alginate swabs
Specimen Stability
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.
Test Frequency
Performed: Daily;
Report available: 3-5 days
Reference Range
| Not detected | |
Performing Department
Send Outs
Performing Department Laboratory Location
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
CPT
87581
LOINC
| M. PNEUMONIAE DNA | 29257-3 |
|
Reviewed Date
11/17/2025
Orderable Regions
Send Outs