IDENTIFICATION OF M. BOVIS BCG AND NTM

​For mycobacteria isolated in CTBL or in other laboratories

​Fresh pure culture isolate on slant in sealed screw-capped plastic tube. 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 for M. tuberculosis complex.

Referred NTM for identification: Fresh pure culture isolate on slant in sealed screw-capped plastic tube. Tube should be tightly closed, labeled with identifying lab number and placed in a biohazard-labeled ziplock bag.

Regional laboratories must make arrangements with the lab for the MOH-Import Permit before sending specimens and packaging must conform to international standards (IATA).

The request form should state the name and address of referring laboratory, organism identification, clinical source, patient particulars with relevant clinical information, clinician in-charge and requester's contact number. The type of test request should be specified as Identification of BCG or NTM. Forms are to be placed in a separate sealed plastic bag in the outer package.

​For BCG: HAIN MTBC
For NTM: line probe assays, MALDI-TOF and DNA probes

​Mycobacteria species identified

​1 week to 2 months, depending on species

​Monday - Friday

​Referred M. tuberculosis complex isolates for identification of BCG from other laboratories- please contact CTBL before sending isolate.