Mycobacterium – detection – Faeces

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of acid fast bacilli in stool
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Stool (1 g)

Other Information

○ Stool specimens should not be contaminated with urine, toilet paper or water
○ Specimens in fixative or those that have been frozen are unacceptable

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Sterile container

Collection Requirements

○ Collect at least 1 gram of stool directly into sterile container, transfer from bedpan or from plastic wrap stretched over the toilet bowl

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL)

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Microscopy: 1 day
○ Culture: Up to 49 days; a positive culture is reported within 24h of growth

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection if transport is delayed more than one hour.
○Transport to the UHN/SHS Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection
○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing