Mycobacterial Culture and Sensitivity Panel (Slow-Growing Mycobacteria)
This test checks for slow-growing bacteria of the *Mycobacterium* genus, which can cause infections like tuberculosis or other mycobacterial diseases. It involves growing samples from your body to identify and confirm the presence of these bacteria.
["This test helps diagnose infections caused by slow-growing mycobacteria, guiding treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29579-0
- Short code
- Mycobacterial Susc Pnl Islt SlowMyco
- Synonyms
- Mycobacterial Susc Pnl Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects and identifies slow-growing mycobacteria from a specimen you provide. Slow-growing mycobacteria are a subset of bacteria that grow more slowly than typical bacteria, often taking weeks to months to culture. This panel includes multiple media and conditions to maximize detection sensitivity.
How the Test Works
Your sample (typically from a bodily fluid or tissue) is inoculated onto specialized culture media. These media support the growth of slow-growing mycobacteria over an extended period. The test may also include additional biochemical tests or molecular methods to confirm identification once growth is observed.
Why It’s Done
A slow-growing mycobacteria culture is often ordered when clinical suspicion for tuberculosis (TB) or other mycobacterial infections is high, such as in patients with persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or symptoms suggestive of lung or systemic infection. It is also used in patients with negative rapid tests or those who do not respond to initial treatments.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You will provide a sample, often from a sputum (throat secretion), tissue, or other bodily fluid. The sample is processed and sent to the lab, where it is carefully prepared for culture. The lab will ensure the sample is free of contaminants that could interfere with the test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results confirm the presence of slow-growing mycobacteria, which can guide targeted antibiotic therapy. Negative results mean no detectable mycobacteria were found in the sample, though repeated testing may be needed if symptoms persist. This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis or disseminated mycobacterial infections, which require specific and often prolonged treatment regimens.
Short name
Slow-Growing Mycobacteria Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if my test comes back negative but I still have symptoms?
Can I take antibiotics before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy