Microbiology Laboratory Tests: Trypanosomiasis to Typhus

Trypanosomiasis (Culture)
Test Includes: Microscopic examination

Reporting

Results Available:  1-3 days Contact #s: (512) 458-7560

Reference

Method: Microscopic examination  
Turnaround Time:  3 days Reference Range:   No parasite seen
Limitations: Interpretation:  Negative specimen indicates that there were no visible parasites in the specimen submitted.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type:  Whole blood, green or purple top tube.
Volume/Amount Required: 20 mL whole blood Preferred Specimen:  Whole Blood  – green or purple top
Collection/Preservation: Collect by venipuncture blood in a green or purple top vacutainer. Hold at ambient temperature. Storage Instructions:  ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection:  Incorrect collection tube used. Sample Container: green or purple top vacutainer
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  See also Chagas’ Disease.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions.
Transport Temperature:  Ambient temperature Shipping Requirements: Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing

CPT Code: 87081 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Trypanosomiasis (Microscopic – Direct Giemsa stained)
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Trypanosomiasis (Microscopic – Direct Giemsa stained)
Test Includes: Microscopic examination

Reporting

Results Available: 3 days Contact #s: (512) 458-7560

Reference

Method:  Microscopic examination  
Turnaround Time:  3 days Reference Range:  No parasites found
Limitations: Interpretation:  Negative specimen indicates that there were no visible parasites in the specimen submitted.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: venipuncture, biopsy, needle aspirates Sample Type: blood, lymph node, aspirates
Volume/Amount Required:  10 mL whole blood; small piece of lymph node tissue; > 1 mL aspirate Preferred Specimen:  Blood thin and thick smears; Lymph Node; Aspirates
Collection/Preservation: Collect by venipuncture or capillary blood, blood to prepare two thick and two thin smears on a glass slide. Store at ambient temperature Storage Instructions: Ambient temperature
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:  Green or Purple top vacutainer
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information:  See also Chagas’ Disease.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling: Handle body fluids using universal precautions
Transport Temperature:  Ambient temperature Shipping Requirements:  Triple contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for diagnostic specimens.

Billing

CPT Code: 87177 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tuberculosis (Culture - Isolation)
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Tuberculosis (Culture - Isolation)
Test Includes: Isolation of mycobacteria and identification to species level

Reporting

Results Available: Positive cultures 14-21 days or earlier; Negative cultures 43 days Contact #s: 512-458-7586 or 512-458-7318, ext 2687

Reference

Method: Primary identification test is mycolic acid analysis by high performance liquid chromatography
Turnaround Time:  Negatives held for six weeks. Reference Range:  Negative
Limitations:  Delay in transport of specimen could compromise isolation of organism. Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type: Clinical Specimen
Volume/Amount Required: 3 mL to 15 mL Preferred Specimen:  Sputum; Tissue; Exudate; Urine; Stool; Blood; Body Fluids
Collection/Preservation: No preservative Storage Instructions: Transport specimen as soon as possible.  If transport is delayed over one hour, refrigerate specimen, unless blood. 
Causes for Rejection: Specimens received frozen, in formalin, or in culture medium will be rejected.  Swabs are discouraged unless the only specimen available; submit swabs in 5 mL sterile saline.  Gastric specimens must be neutralized prior to transport. Refrigerated blood specimens will be rejected. Sample Container: Triple-contained.  Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container. Add up to 10 mL sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture during transport.  If blood, prefer yellow-top with ACD; may also contain SPS. 
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Tested 5 days/week: Monday-Friday
Diagnostic Information: Primary diagnostic specimens and isolates go to TDSHS Laboratory in Austin. Direct HPLC (presumptive identification only) performed on positive AFB smear initial diagnostic specimens. Nucleic acid amplification testing for M. tuberculosis complex may be performed on positive AFB smear initial pulmonary specimens if Direct HPLC testing is inconclusive. For more information telephone 512-458-7342

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:   Ambient acceptable but 2-8º C preferred for non-sterile specimens. Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet requirements of DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA for shipping of clinical specimens.

Billing

CPT Code: 87143, 87149, 87118 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tuberculosis (Culture - Identification)
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Tuberculosis (Culture - Identification)
Test Includes: Identification of isolate by mycolic acid analysis; biochemical testing and/or Accuprobe culture confirmation test performed as adjunct tests if necessary

Reporting

Results Available: 2-25 days Contact #s: 512-458-7586

Reference

Method: Primary identification test is mycolic acid analysis by high performance liquid chromatography.
Turnaround Time: 2-25 days
M. tuberculosis complex reports are telephoned to the submitter on previously undiagnosed patients. 		Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation: No preservative Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container: Triple-contained. Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container. Add up to 10 mL sterile saline to tissue if needed to maintain moisture during transport. If blood, must collect in Yellow-top vacutainer with SPS.
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Pure culture isolates submitted to this Laboratory for definitive identification and drug susceptibilities.  Molecular typing performed at regional center upon request. Definitive identification performed on positive isolates by HPLC or a combination of HPLC and biochemical testing or HPLC and genetic probe confirmation.  For more information telephone 512-458-7342

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet rigorous performance tests as outlined in the DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA regulations for shipping of infectious substances.

Billing

CPT Code: 87556 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tuberculosis (Culture – Susceptibility, Primary Drug Panel)
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Test Includes: Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Indirect Drug Susceptibility Test

Reporting

Results Available: 10-28 days Contact #s: 512-458-7586

Reference

Method: BACTEC indirect drug susceptibility test system for M. tuberculosis complex.
Agar proportion indirect drug susceptibility test system for confirmation of drug resistance.
Turnaround Time:  10-28 days. Reports of drug resistance are telephoned to the submitter. Reference Range:  Susceptible
Limitations:  Testing can only be performed on pure cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Interpretation: Report states isolate is either susceptible or resistant to a specific drug at critical concentrations recommended by NCCLS. 

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation: No preservative. Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container: Triple-contained.
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Test is set up 5 days/week:  Monday- Friday.  Test is run 7 days/week.
Diagnostic Information:  Pure culture isolates of M. tuberculosis complex submitted or isolated at this Laboratory for drug susceptibilities. Isolates submitted for drug susceptibilities will be identified by this Laboratory. No fee will be charged for the identification test unless the AFB ID test is requested on form G-2B. Primary Panel for M. tuberculosis complex consists of Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Rifampin by BACTEC susceptibility testing. Resistance to any of these drugs is confirmed by the agar proportion method.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet rigorous performance tests as outlined in the DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA regulations for shipping of infectious substances.

Billing

CPT Code: 87190, 87188 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm



Microbiology
Tuberculosis (Culture – Isolation –Direct Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex)
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Tuberculosis (Culture – Isolation –Direct Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex)
Test Includes:  Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing of Clinical Specimens for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

Reporting

Results Available: 48 hours Contact #s: 512-776-7342 or 512-776-7580

Reference

Method: Cepheid GeneXpert PCR test amplifies and detects DNA of M. tuberculosis complex
Turnaround Time:  48 hours from specimen receipt in this laboratory. Positive reports are communicated to the specimen submitter on day of testing. Reference Range: Normal value = Negative
Limitations: Specimen must be sputum, induced or expectorated. AFB Smear and Culture always performed concurrently at this laboratory. A negative test does not mean the patient does not have M. tuberculosis disease.Test results must be confirmed by culture of specimen for the presence of mycobacteria. If a processed sputum sediment is submitted for NAAT only, the AFB culture must be in progress at the submitting laboratory site. Interpretation: A Positive result means that the DNA of the M. tuberculosis complex is detected. A Negative result means that the DNA of the M. tuberculosis complex was not detected. A Negative result does not rule out the possibility of the presence of viable M. tuberculosis complex in the specimen.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Follow the Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Submission: Mycobacteriology (AFB) Collection, Transport, and Storage. Sample Type: Clinical
Volume/Amount Required: 3 mL to 15 mL Preferred Specimen:  Sputum or processed sputum sediment. For all other specimen types, please contact 512-776-7342 or 512-776-7580.
Collection/Preservation: No preservative Storage Instructions: Transport specimen as soon as possible. Diagnostic specimens should be shipped on cold pack overnight.
Causes for Rejection: Specimen leaked in transit. No identifier on specimen container. No test requested on G-MYCO requisition form. Sample Container: Triple contained. Sterile, leak-proof, 50 mL conical tube preferred for primary container.
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Monday through Friday
Diagnostic Information: There should be a high clinical suspicion of tuberculosis when ordering this test. NAA testing should be requested if the test results will make a difference to the patient’s treatment or if the test results will make a difference to the contact investigation. Patients should not have a laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis disease already.  

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-MYCO
  • For sputum specimens, check test “AFB Smear, Culture and Direct NAAT (Respiratory Diagnostic Specimens Only)"
  • For processed sputum sediments, check test “Direct NAAT for M. tuberculosis”
 Specimen Handling: Follow the Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Submission: Mycobacteriology (AFB) Collection, Transport, and Storage.
Transport Temperature: Cold shipment (not frozen) recommended. Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet requirements of DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA for shipping of clinical specimens. Please check with your courier.

Billing

CPT Code: 87556 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tuberculosis (Culture – DNA Fingerprinting)
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Tuberculosis (Culture – DNA Fingerprinting)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: approx. 10 business days Contact #s: 512-458-7342 or 512-458-7580

Reference

Method:  
Turnaround Time:  As directed Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Test can only be performed on pure cultures of M. tuberculosis complex. Interpretation: contact Tuberculosis Elimination Program for guidance

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure Culture
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container: Triple-contained.
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information: DNA Fingerprinting of M. tuberculosis is available at no charge from a reference laboratory. Please submit pure cultures of M. tuberculosis to this Laboratory and mark "Other" on the request form. Write the word "Genotyping" in the space for "other" tests. For more information, telephone 512-458-7342.                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2B Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature: ambient Shipping Requirements: Triple-contained and packaged to meet rigorous performance tests as outlined in the DOT, USPS, PHS, and IATA regulations for shipping of infectious substances.

Billing

CPT Code: Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tularemia (Culture - Isolation)
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Tularemia (Culture - Isolation)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference

Method:  
Turnaround Time:  7-21 days Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Culture; Blood Culture; Tissue; Lymph Node
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  See Aerobic Bacterial Culture (Isolation) Culture for isolation must be held 21 days before the specimen can be reported as negative. Francisella tularensis is one of the agents designated as a Bioterrrorism  agent.  It sporadically occurs naturally.  See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation).

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  4º C, ice packs, NO dry ice. Shipping Requirements:

Billing

CPT Code: 87040, 87046, 87070 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tularemia (Culture - Identification)
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Tularemia (Culture - Identification)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: Contact #s:

Reference

Method:  
Turnaround Time:  7-14 days Reference Range:  By report
Limitations: Interpretation:

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Sample Type:
Volume/Amount Required: Preferred Specimen:  Pure Culture safely contained.
Collection/Preservation: Storage Instructions:
Causes for Rejection: Sample Container:
Sample Test Kit: Availability:
Diagnostic Information:  Francisella tularensis is one of the agents designated as a Bioterrrorism agent.  It sporadically occurs naturally. See Bioterrorism agents (Clinical -Isolation) For Referred cultures see Aerobic Bacterial Culture,  (Identification).

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-27A  Specimen Handling:
Transport Temperature:  Ambient (Room) temperature Shipping Requirements:

Billing

CPT Code: 87077 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Tularemia (Serological - Agglutination)
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Tularemia (Serological - Agglutination)
Test Includes:

Reporting

Results Available: 5-7 days Contact #s:

Reference

Method: Agglutination  
Turnaround Time:  5-7 days Reference Range:  <1:80 (Nonreactive)  
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL Serum Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum; Paired Sera
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube Storage Instructions: Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Test performed once per week
Diagnostic Information:  Tularemia antibody begins to appear 2-3 weeks post-onset and generally peaks 5 weeks into the disease. A titer of 1:320 or greater is significant.  Serum specimens are to be collected at least 7 days apart.  Fourfold titer increase is evidence of current infection.  Cross-reactions occur with Brucella species.  Telephone Laboratory prior to shipping specimen. The test is performed once per week.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection. Frozen (≤-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection. Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8°C), or frozen (-20°C) and mailed on dry ice.

Billing

CPT Code: 86609 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm


Microbiology
Typhus (Serological – Immunofluorescence)
Related Agents: Rickettsia, Murine typhus
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Typhus (Serological – Immunofluorescence)

Reporting

Results Available: 3-5 days Contact #s:

Reference

Method: IFA  
Turnaround Time:  3-5 days Reference Range:  <1:64 (Nonreactive)
Limitations: May not detect a recent infection, or infection in a person with a severely compromised immune system. Interpretation: Nonreactive indicates that the patient does not have detectable antibody to the infectious agent. Reactive indicates that the patient has detectable antibody to the infectious agent, and depending on the clinical picture, may have a current or past infection.  

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Sample Type: Serum
Volume/Amount Required: 2 mL Serum Preferred Specimen:  Single Serum
Collection/Preservation: Red top or tiger top tube Storage Instructions: Separated serum may be held at 2-8°C
Causes for Rejection: Discrepancy between name on tube and name on form, insufficient quantity of serum for testing Sample Container: Red top or tiger top tube
Sample Test Kit: Availability: Test performed twice per week
Diagnostic Information:  The rickettsial micro IFA test is a standard two-step sandwich immunofluorescence technique. In the first stage the Rickettsia typhi (murine typhus) antigen is overlaid with dilutions of human serum. In the second stage, the antigen is overlaid with a fluorescein-conjugates antihuman globulin, so that the antigens are rendered fluorescent by positive sera. The most convincing evidence of recent rickettsiae infection of a four-fold rise in titer between the acute serum and the convalescent serum. Single titers of 1:128 are considered the minimum for significant titers. Serum specimens must be collected 14 days apart.  The test is performed twice per week.

Specimen Submission

Required Request Form: G-2A Specimen Handling: Use Universal Precautions
Transport Temperature: Cold (2-8º C) on ice packs if received within 48 hours from time of collection. Frozen (=-20°) on dry ice if received more than 48 hours from time of collection. Shipping Requirements: Triple contain, separated serum may be shipped on cold packs (2-8° C), or frozen (-20° C) and mailed on dry ice.

Billing

CPT Code: 86757 Fees: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lab/fees.shtm
Last updated June 30, 2022