Mycoplasma pneumoniae – Respiratory PCR

Testing Indications

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and “atypical” community-acquired pneumonia. Clinical manifestations outside the respiratory tract are rare but may occur. M. pneumoniae is transmitted via respiratory droplets and can cause sporadic infections and sustained outbreaks.

If an outbreak is suspected, contact your local Public Health Unit.

Timing of Specimen Collection

Specimens should be collected as soon as possible following onset of symptoms using the Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Chlamydophila pneumoniae collection kit.

Preparation Prior to Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Specimens should be collected during the acute phase of illness. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO laboratory on ice packs.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR is tested twice weekly, Monday to Friday.

Turnaround time is up to 5 days from receipt by PHO Laboratory.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Testing for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is performed using a laboratory-developed multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects both Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The assay has >98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.