Clinical background:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a cause of atypical pneumonia. Occasionally patients have non-respiratory presentations.
Specimen container paediatric:
Viral throat swab, universal container for nasopharyngeal secretions, sputum, BAL or endotracheal secretions.
Specimen container adult:
Viral throat swab, universal container for sputum, BAL or endotracheal secretions.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 swab or 1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 swab or 3 ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible.
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8oC
Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Quality Assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory
Reference Ranges:
None available
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8oC