DNA and

What the laboratory says this test is for

Ureaplasma spp. have been linked to upper genitourinary tract infection and to premature labor and abortion. Recently, by molecular means two groups have been distinguished, U.parvum and U. urealyticum, with the former being more prevalent in the lower genital tract of healthy women. It is not clear which species more predominantly causes infection. Ureaplasma spp. appear to be opportunists when they infect the upper genitourinary tract. These organisms have also been targeted as having a possible role in infertility, although this remains a gray area.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This test is used to detect the presence of either M. avium or M. intracellulare in a patient's specimen. The use of Real-Time PCR to assay for the presence of M. avium and/or M. intracellulare DNA in clinical specimens allows for rapid patient testing (3 to 4 hours compared to several weeks or more for conventional culture and DNA hybridization) and for distinguishing infections caused by M. tuberculosis or other mycobacterial species.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Bordetella pertussis is the cause of whooping cough that may occur in unimmunized individuals. B. parapertussis is a related organism that causes a similar, but milder, disease. Laboratory diagnosis may require both culture and serological confirmation, although culture is difficult.