What sample types will be accepted?
Isolates of M. tuberculosis complex will be accepted for the service. MDDR testing has not been validated for clinical specimens (e.g., raw or processed sputum). Isolates can be submitted on either solid media (e.g. LJ or Middlebrook) or as positive MGIT cultures. Validation of MDDR testing from other types of liquid media is underway and may be accepted in the future. Bactec460 bottles will not be accepted. The laboratories should submit only one sample per patient; however, duplicate samples can be considered on a case by case basis. In order to effectively utilize rapid methods, please submit eligible culture isolates as soon as they are identified as MtbC. In most cases, a positive MGIT culture will be available before a solid culture. When shipping liquid culture, please send 1 ml of culture in a screw-cap cryovial that has been sealed with parafilm.
