○ Blood collected in EDTA tubes, coagulated blood, blood in blood culture medium, serum, plasma are unacceptable specimens
○ SPS in blood culture bottles may delay the growth of some Mycobacteria
○ Indicated when there is a suspicion of disseminated infection ( in immunocompromised patients) or a suspicion of M. chimera infection following open-chest heart surgery
○ Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) tube (yellow top tube) (8 mL) ○ Heparin tube (green top tube) (10 mL)
Whole blood: ○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 6 mL of blood
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Culture: Up to 42 days; a positive culture is reported within 24 of growth
416-586-4800 extension 4564
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Transport specimens to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP at room temperature (20-25˚C)
○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will refer specimen to Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing