Mycobacterium, Culture, Blood

Laboratory assay overview

Since the mid-1980s and expanding size of the immunocompromised patient population, the incidence of septicemia caused by opportunistic pathogens such as yeast, fungi and mycobacteria has risen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex and mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT), especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), have become resurgent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that every effort must be made for laboratories to use the most rapid methods available for diagnostic mycobacteria testing. These recommendations include the use of a liquid medium for mycobacterial culture. The BD BACTEC fluorescent series instruments are designed for the rapid detection of microorganisms in clinical specimens.