
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.
Specimen Requirements
Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR |
Nasopharyngeal Swab (NPS), or tracheal aspirates, or respiratory tract specimens |
Swab in transport media provided in kit |
Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Chlamydophila pneumoniae PCR Kit Order# 390085 |
Submission and Collection Notes
Indicate symptoms and date of onset on the General Test Requisition Form if diagnostic testing is required.
Timing of Specimen Collection
Specimens should be collected as soon as possible following onset of symptoms using the Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Chlamydophila pneumoniae collection kit.
Storage and 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.
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.
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