Mycobacteriology Laboratory

Introduction

The Mycobacteriology section identifies Mycobacterium species, with an emphasis on the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for public health and surveillance purposes across the state. Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL) utilizes matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF) for the identification of mycobacteria. FedEx Overnight and 2 Day and UPS Next Day Air and Ground services are encouraged as the delivery times are guaranteed by the carriers. The use of a commercial carrier service is also encouraged if specimens are delivered to the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories within the window of the collection date and time requirements. The use of USPS is discouraged for all clinical specimens for mycobacterium testing as the delivery times are not guaranteed by the carrier.

Note: All clinical specimens for mycobacterium testing must be received by the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories within 7 days of collection date and time. Specimen collection is encouraged Monday through Thursday with delivery to the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Laboratories Monday through Friday by 10 am. Specimen collection is not encouraged on Fridays or the day before a holiday (see page 2 for a list of observed state holidays). All clinical specimens received by 10 am Monday through Friday will be tested the same day. Specimens received after 10 am Monday through Friday will be tested the following business day.

Microbiology Guidelines

For all human specimens submitted for microbiology testing, see the Microbiology Specimen Submission Guidelines (PDF) for specific collection, rejection, and transport guidelines.