Direct Detection for Nucleic Acid of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex (TB PCR)

Specimen Container	Sterile screw-capped container Red top tube (To be obtained from DPLM Client Services, after office hour call extension 1352)
Specimen Requirement	Sterile container: Respiratory aspirate, tissue, biopsy, body fluid Red top tube: Blood and Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) Please specify the source when ordering
Specimen Storage/Transport	Specimens should reach SGH within 24 hours of collection. If delay is unavoidable for Blood and BMA, store at 4°C.
Orderable as Urgent?	No
Turn Around Time	1 - 3 days
Reference Value(s)	-
Testing Laboratory Location	SGH
Laboratory	Central Tuberculosis Laboratory
Contact Number	6394 1352
Day and Time Performed	Mon – Fri 0800 hrs– 1700 hrs , Sat 0800 hrs – 1230 hrs
Orderable on CPOE?	Yes
Downtime Form	Virology & Serology Tests
Additional Information	This test only provides preliminary information for empirical TB management. A reflex AFB smear and culture (both chargeable) is set up on each specimen. Written instruction from the doctor is necessary if these are not to be performed.

Change History Notes

09 Feb 2023 12:00 AM

Updated Specimen Container.
02 Aug 2021 12:00 AM

Updated Specimen Container, Specimen Requirement, Specimen Storage / Transport, TAT.

Last Updated - 05 Apr 2025