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EndemicTB · Mycobacteriology / TBMTBPCR
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex PCR
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Last reviewed 2026-08-13
Public health significance
NAA starts the case while culture and AST are still incubating. That is the point.
Specimen types
Sputum; other sterile sites as validated
Method
NAA
CLIA / validation
High complexity. Pair with AFB smear and culture. Do not retire culture because NAA exists.
Interpretation
Detected / Not detected. Rifampin resistance markers, if on the assay, are separate OBX rows.
Reflex / referral
Culture, AST, and public-health genotyping / WGS per state TB program.
Quality control
Inhibition controls matter in sputum. PT through an approved TB program.
Reportability
Nationally notifiable.
HL7 / ELR
LOINC 38379-4 family for MTB complex NAA.
Sources
CDC TB laboratory guidance.