IDENTIFICATION/ CONFIRMATION OF M.TB

​For referred cultured isolate from other laboratories:  Fresh pure culture of isolate on slant in a sealed, screw-capped plastic tube.

​Please contact CTBL (6576 7655/7656) before sending the isolate. 

The tube should be tightly closed, labeled with identifying lab number and placed in a biohazard-labelled ziplock bag. Pack, transport and notify CTBL (in advance) and MOH of the transfer, according to MOH-BATA requirements.
The request form (stating name and address of referring laboratory, source of mycobacterial isolate, patient particulars with relevant clinical information, clinician in-charge and requester's contact number) is to be placed in separate sealed plastic bag outside the ziplock bag. The type of test should be specified as Identification/Confirmation of MTB.

For overseas labs, the packaging must conform to IATA standards and a valid MOH-approved Import Permit must be obtained before shipping.

​DNA probe or line-probe assays

​M. tuberculosis complex or nontuberculous mycobacteria

​3-4 working days

​Monday - Friday