AFB specimen processing at Saint Joseph

The Microbiology Laboratory at Saint Joseph is temporarily sending all specimens for isolation of Mycobacteria (including M. tuberculosis) to National Jewish Health. This is a change from the standard process of performing primary isolation of Mycobacterial culture and M. tuberculosis rule-out testing (MTB PCR) at SJH prior to sending the culture to NJH for identification and susceptibilities. This is a temporary change, only expected to last a few weeks before normal operations at SJH resume.

To view smear and MTB rule-out results, please view reordered tests under the linked Miscellaneous Test ordered for the send out to NJH. Due to the send-out delay, an additional 24 hours will be added to the turn-around time. Smear and MTB PCR results should be seen within 24 to 48 hours of specimen collection.

Please contact the Microbiology Laboratory at SJH with any questions.