Mycobacterial Blood Culture
200 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Blood Mycobacteria Culture, Mycobacteria Cultures,
Purpose
Mycobacterial blood culture detects systemic infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). It is recommended that when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, resulting in military or disseminated TB. The test helps monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment.
When the patient is suspected of having pulmonary TB, a sputum culture can help diagnose localized infections. Sputum cultures are primarily used to diagnose infections that affect the respiratory system.
In addition, mycobacteria can cause skin or soft tissue infections. When this happens, the doctor can perform a pus swab alongside the mycobacteria culture to help rule out secondary infections and diagnose systemic infections that may be affecting multiple body parts.
Patient Preparation
No special preparations required.
Samples
Collect 10ml whole blood per culture with a volume of 5ml in a sterile container with a tight screw cap seal. Observe aseptic practices during collection and refrigerate the samples.
Reference Range
Mycobacteria isolated/ No Mycobacteria isolated
Results Turnaround
43 – 56 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading infectious diseases globally. Mycobacterial blood culture helps diagnose military or disseminated TB, a severe form where the bacteria spread to other parts of the body and affect organs such as the bone marrow and lungs.
In addition, the mycobacteria culture diagnoses other mycobacterial infections, such as leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Common symptoms of TB include weight loss, night sweats, and prolonged fever.
This study offers more information on the mycobacterial testing.