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Available Tests

Specimen Sources, Test List by Alphebetical Order ->

Bacteriology

  • 149 Actinomyces turicensis by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Actinomyces turicensis is a gram positive facultative anaerobe that is a commensal part of the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Although Actinomyces species are not considered to be pathogenic by nature, but rather part of the normal flora, they are capable of colonizing and establishing pathogenic infections within neighboring tissues upon a breach in the integrity of the mucosal membranes that typically sequester them resulting in the chronic condition Actinomycosis. A. turicensis is one of the more commonly isolated species of the genus Actinomyces known to induce the Actinomycosis, a condition which is characterized by abscess formation, tissue fibrosis, and draining sinuses. While, clinically, infections of the oral and cervicofacial region are the most common, Actinomycosis also frequently occurs within the thoracic, abdominopelvic, and central nervous system compartments.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 147 Bacteroides ureolyticus by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Bacteroides ureolyticus is an obligate anaerobic gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that was first described in clinical specimens in 1948. It is the most commonly detected Bacteroides strain after B. fragilis. Identification of this organism from infections within the buccal cavity, intestinal tract, urogenital tract, and blood has been reported. It has also been isolated from mixed cultures of infections involving nearly every organ system in humans. B. ureolyticus is associated with ulcerative lesions of both the external and internal genitalia, including the perineal area, as well as abscesses and has been implicated in non-gonoccocal urethritis (NGU); one study reported its identification in 50% of the evaluated men with confirmed NGU. It is thought to cause damage to the urethral mucosa via its expression of an endotoxin. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 326 Bartonella bacilliformis by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: The genus Bartonella contains aerobic, fastidious, gram-negative bacteria that belong to the alpha-2 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. Due to the limited distribution of its vector, the sand fly, Bartonella bacilliformis is found predominantly at high elevations in the Andes mountains. It is the causative agent of Carriõn’s disease. This biphasic syndrome is comprised of two disorders: Oroya Fever and veruga peruana. Orroya fever is characterized by an acute septicemic phase of severe hemolytic anemia. The chronic form, verruga peruana, is the second phase and is characterized by reddish papular skin lesions that are highly vascular in nature. Verruga peruana is very similar to bacillary angiomatosis which is caused by B. henselae. Without appropriate antimicrobial therapy, they may be fatal. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 325 Bartonella clarridgeiae by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: The genus Bartonella contains aerobic, fastidious, gram-negative bacteria that belong to the alpha-2 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. Bartonella clarridgeiae is predominantly associated with infection in cats. However, it has been documented as an additional cause of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) along with Bartonella henselae. Transmission from cats to humans has also been documented. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 339 Bartonella elizabethae by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: The genus Bartonella contains aerobic, fastidious, gram-negative bacteria that belong to the alpha-2 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. Bartonella elizabethae has been associated with endocarditis. The means of transmission of B. elizabethae is unknown, but is believed to be via an arthropod vector. It has been isolated in a human patient and in rats. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 317 Bartonella henselae by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: B. henselae is the causative agent of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) as well as other conditions. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly those suffering from HIV infection. The classic clinical presentation of CSD is a self-limiting, regional lymphadenopathy, usually caused by a cat scratch or bite. The disease starts with a lesion at the site of infection, which may become a papule. Transmission of the disease has been linked to cats and is also suspected to occur via fleas and ticks. Recently, Bartonella has been detected in immunocompromised patients as well as in Ixodes scapularis ticks, the same ticks that transmit Lyme disease. Evidence is mounting that Bartonella species are also transmitted from ticks to humans and can contribute to the disease manifestations of Lyme disease. Proper identification is essential such that the necessary treatments are administered. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 355 Bartonella henselae by ELISA

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: B. henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD) as well as other conditions. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly those suffering from HIV infection. The classic clinical presentation of CSD is a self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy, usually caused by a cat scratch or bite. The disease starts with a lesion at the site of infection, which may become a papule. Transmission of the disease has been linked to cats and is also suspected to occur via fleas and ticks. Recently, Bartonella has been detected in immunocompromised patients as well as in Ixodes scapularis ticks, the same ticks that transmit Lyme disease. Evidence is mounting that Bartonella species are also transmitted from ticks to humans and can contribute to the disease manifestations of Lyme disease. Traditionally, clinical diagnostics have relied on direct culturing and Immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) technologies. The culturing of Bartonella from blood samples is technically challenging and is a low-yield procedure with recommended growth conditions including lengthy incubation periods of at least 21 days. B. henselae IFAs have high sensitivity and specificity. However, cross-reactivity with other human pathogens has been reported. In addition, IFAs rely heavily on technicians for the determination of test results, are time-consuming to score, and require expensive fluorescent microscopes. Detection of antibodies using an ELISA assay allows diagnosis of an infection when other methods, such as culture or IFA, are impractical or yield negative results. In this assay, patient serum is analyzed by ELISA for the presence of Bartonella henselae-specific IgG and IgM antibodies.
      • Method:
      • ELISA
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Wed.
  • 342 Bartonella quintana by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: The genus Bartonella contains aerobic, fastidious, gram-negative bacteria that belong to the alpha-2 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. B. quintana was first identified as an important human pathogen during World War I when it caused epidemics of louse-borne trench fever. B. quintana infections were rarely recognized from the end of World War II until the 1980s, when the organism re-emerged as an opportunistic pathogen among HIV-infected persons. It has since been identified in cases of bacillary angiomatosis, endocarditis and bacteremia, isolated from AIDS patients, and, more recently, in homeless populations. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 356 Bartonella Species by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: The genus Bartonella contains aerobic, fastidious, gram-negative bacteria which belong to the alpha-2 subgroup of the class Proteobacteria. MDL has developed a rapid and sensitive PCR-based method for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Bartonella sub-species, B. henselae and B. quintana, from specimens. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 323 Bartonella Species Panel by PCR
  • 352 Bordetella pertussis (IgG/IgA) by Western blot

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, results from an upper respiratory tract infection with Bordetella pertussis. This infection was a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the early part of the twentieth century and reemerged as a significant health concern in the late 1990’s. The upward trend in childhood pertussis cases has been primarily attributed to decreased vaccine usage, while the increase in adult pertussis cases is attributed to waning vaccine-induced immunity and the lack of a vaccine approved for use in adults. In this assay, IgG and IgA antibodies to B. pertussis in human serum are detected.
      • Method:
      • Western blot
      • Transport:
      • Refrigerate
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Fri.
  • 321 Brucella genus by Qualitative PCR
    • Clinical significance: Brucellosis is an important zoonosis of public health in many countries. Due to the fact that clinical presentation of this disease varies so greatly, diagnosis can really only be made based on laboratory methods. Brucella melitensis is the species that primarily causes infection in humans. Human brucellosis, also known as ‘undulant fever’ or ‘Bang’s disease’ can change from an occupational disease for farmers, veterinarians, and other animal health professionals to a food-borne disease when people consume non-pasteurized milk and cheeses made with raw milk from infected cattle. Human symptoms of brucellosis infection include fever, night sweats, undue fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, headache, and arthralgia. Our PCR-based testing permits the identification of four species of Brucella: Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis, and B. suis. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Qualitative PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 359 Brucella species (B. suis, B. abortus, B. canis, B. ovis, and B. melitensis) by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical Significance: Brucellosis is an important zoonosis of public health in many countries. Due to the fact that clinical presentation of this disease varies so greatly, diagnosis can really only be made based on laboratory methods. Brucella melitensis is the species that primarily causes infection in humans. Human brucellosis, also known as ‘undulant fever’ or ‘Bang’s disease’ can change from an occupational disease for farmers, veterinarians and other animal health professionals to a food-borne disease when people consume non-pasteurized milk and cheeses made with raw milk from infected cattle. Human symptoms of brucellosis infection include fever, night sweats, undue fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, headache, and arthralgia. Severe infections of the central nervous system or lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue. Our PCR-based testing permits the identification of four species of Brucella—Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis, and B. suis. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 104 Chlamydia subtype (pneumoniae, trachomatis) by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: There are three subtypes associated with causing disease in humans. Chlamydophila pneumoniae causes pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis and has been associated with adult onset asthma, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted disease that also causes conjunctivitis, pneumonia, proctitis, and lymphogranuloma venerium. It is also the cause of ocular trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness. Sensitive screening methods are necessary for early detection of Chlamydial infections. Rapid treatment could control and decrease the spread of the disease. MDL has developed a rapid and sensitive PCR-based method for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Chlamydia sub-species from specimens. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 105 Chlamydia trachomatis by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative agent of the disease Chlamydia and is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial agent. In women this bacterium causes cervicitis, urethritis, endometritis and salpingitis. In more complicated cases, C. trachomatis infections may result in tubal scarring, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. In men it causes urethritis and proctatitis. If left untreated, Chlamydia may develop into lymphogranuloma venereum. Other forms of infection also seen are trachoma, the most preventable form of blindness, and conjunctivitis in neonates. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 364 Chlamydiales species (Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Chlamydia trachomatis) by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: There are three subtypes associated with causing disease in humans. Chlamydophila pneumoniae causes pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis and has been associated with adult onset asthma, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Chlamydophila psittaci is the causative agent of psittacosis or parrot fever. Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted disease that also causes conjunctivitis, pneumonia, proctitis, and lymphogranuloma venerium. It is also the cause of ocular trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness. Sensitive screening methods are necessary for early detection of Chlamydial infections. Rapid treatment could control and decrease the spread of the disease. MDL has developed a rapid and sensitive Real-Time PCR-based method for the detection and differentiation of Chlamydia sub-species from specimens. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 319 Chlamydophila pneumoniae by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Chlamydophila are obligate intracellular parasites. Chlamydophila pneumoniae, also known as TWAR, is the most recently identified of the Chlamydophila species. It is a common cause of infection throughout the world. Although first isolated in 1965, it was not established as a human pathogen until it was obtained from a respiratory specimen in 1983. Infection is spread via exposure to respiratory secretions. It has been associated with community acquired acute respiratory infection, adult onset asthma, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 327 Chlamydophila pneumoniae IgG/IgM by ELISA by ELISA

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: Chlamydophila pneumoniae is the most recently identified of the Chlamydophila species and is a common cause of infection throughout the world. Seropositivity rates are very low in children under 5 years of age. By the time most people reach early adulthood, 50% are seropositive with rates reaching approximately 75% in the elderly. C. pneumoniae specific IgM antibodies appear approximately 3 weeks after onset of illness; whereas, C. pneumoniae-specific IgG antibodies begin to appear about 6-8 weeks after onset. Detection of antibodies allows diagnosis of an infection when other methods, such as culture or antigen detection, are impractical or yield negative results.
      • Method:
      • ELISA
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Tues and Fri.
  • 361 Chlamydophila psittaci by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Chlamydophila psittaci, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of psittacosis in birds and humans. It is a well-established pathogen responsible for regular outbreaks of disease in psittacine birds and domestic poultry, as well as cases of atypical pneumonia in exposed persons. Infection is acquired by inhaling dried secretions from infected birds. Psittacosis often starts with flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, dyspnoea, and cough which may develop into a life-threatening pneumonia. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 360 Francisella Species (F. tularensis, F. holarctica) by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Five subspecies of Francisella are found in the Northern hemisphere, but only F. tularensis subsp. tularensis and subsp. holarctica cause disease in humans. F. tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia, a zoonotic disease of humans, rabbits, rodents, and hares. It is typically transmitted by inhalation, the bite of an infected tick, contact with infected animal products or by the ingestion of contaminated water. Clinical manifestations of tularemia vary depending on the virulence of the strain and the route of inoculation. Inhalation results in the pneumonic form. Acquisition through a tick bite or from contact with an infected animal, results in the ulceroglandular form of the disease. Francisella can also be contracted through the conjuctiva, causing the oculoglandular form of tularemia. Less commonly, ingestion of contaminated foods or water may result in clinical symptoms. Once the bacterium enters the body, it travels to the draining lymph nodes and then spreads to the liver, lungs, and spleen of infected humans or animals, where it replicates to high numbers. In this assay DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 310 Helicobacter pylori by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Helicobacter pylori resides within the mucous membrane of the gastric epithelium and occasionally the duodenal or esophageal mucosal epithelium as well. It can lead to inflammation of the mucosa and, if untreated, chronic superficial gastritis. This inflammation process has been linked to peptic ulceration and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori is now established as the most common cause of gastritis. In this procedure, we perform a PCR assay for the sensitive and specific detection of H. pylori. The assay is based on the DNA sequence of a species-specific protein antigen, which is present in all strains of H. pylori tested. The specificity of this assay and the fidelity of the chosen region was verified by the lack of cross-reactivity with other enteric bacteria (whose coding sequence did not hybridize to the DNA of numerous enteric bacteria). In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 353 Helicobacter pylori (IgG/IgA) by Western blot

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the leading cause of gastric cancers. It can also present clinically as a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including duodenal and gastric ulcers, malt lymphoma, gastric cancer and non-gastric dyspepsia. With approximately 50% of the world’s population colonized with this organism, concern for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of H. pylori infection is growing. Some diseases not associated with the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. liver disease, acne rosacea, chronic urticaria, atherosclerosis, and iron deficiency anemia) may be associated with H. pylori infection. Infection by H. pylori can also lead to loss of normal gastric function, including the ability to absorb micronutrients such as Vitamin B12, folic acid, beta-carotene and iron. In the assay, we detect IgG and IgA antibodies to H. pylori in human serum.
      • Method:
      • Western blot
      • Transport:
      • Refrigerate
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Fri.
  • 357 Helicobacter pylori by Real-Time PCR (Reflex to clarithromycin resistance by Pyrosequencing)

    • Only performed after a #310 is positive. Charges will be the total of tests #310 + #357.

    • Clinical significance: Helicobacter pylori infects the mucus lining of the stomach and duodenum, and can cause peptic ulcers, gastritis, and duodenitis. Gastric cancer has also been associated with H. pylori and the bacterium has been categorized as a group l carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Infection may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. It is estimated that up to 70% of infection is asymptomatic and that about two-thirds of the world’s population is infected by the bacterium. In the United States, H. pylori primarily infects the elderly (about 50% for those over the age of 60 compared with 20% for those under 40) and the poor. One can test noninvasively for H. pylori infection with a blood antibody test, stool antigen test, or with the carbon urea breath test. However, the most reliable method for determining H. pylori infection is via biopsy. H. pylori can be detected in a gastric biopsy specimen using the Real-Time PCR. H. pylori can be treated with several antibiotics. These include: clarithromycin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and rifampin. As with many bacteria, H. pylori has evolved mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics. Clarithromycin resistance is associated with mutations in the 23S rRNA gene, which inhibit the binding of clarithromycin to the ribosome. A Pyrosequencing assay has been developed to detect these mutations.
      • Method:
      • Pyrosequencing
      • Specimen:
      • biopsy (gastric)
      • Transport:
      • Refrigerate
      • Turn around time:
      • Up to 72 hours due to reflex testing
  • 318 Legionella pneumophila by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Legionella pneumophila, a rod-shaped, gram negative bacterium, is the causative agent of Legionella, also referred to as Legionnaire’s disease, and Pontiac fever. L. pneumophila is involved in more than 95% of cases of severe, atypical pneumonia. This disease is most often contracted by inhaling mist from L. pneumophila contaminated water sources. Thus far, no cases of person-to-person transmission have been documented. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, transplant patients, and people with impaired pulmonary function, such as heavy smokers. Traditional isolation of the organism from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens is very invasive and time consuming. In addition, it has been demonstrated that certain strains cannot be cultured. Traditional serological means of diagnosis is often difficult due to the delay in seroconversion with respect to the timing of the onset of illness. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 332 Mycoplasma fermentans by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Mycoplasma species are the smallest and genetically simplest self-replicating bacteria. Mycoplasma species are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. Mycoplasma fermentans’ potential role as a causative agent in chronic fatigue syndrome has generated much controversy. The potential invasive nature of this species has been demonstrated following the organism’s detection in lung tissue from previously immunocompetent adult respiratory distress syndrome patients. M. fermentans has also been implicated as a cofactor in rheumatoid arthritis patients, where its presence in the synovial fluid of RA patients has been repeatedly demonstrated by both culture and molecular techniques. Its role as an opportunistic infection has also been demonstrated in patients with HIV infection. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 301 Mycoplasma general by Qualitative PCR
    • Clinical significance: Mycoplasma species are the smallest and genetically simplest self-replicating bacteria. Mycoplasma species are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. They have recently been associated with certain acute and chronic illnesses and can function as causative agents, cofactors, and opportunistic infectious agents. Mycoplasmas have been associated with respiratory illness, urogenital disease, immunosuppressive disease, such as HIV infection, cardiac diseases, arthritic syndromes, tick-borne illness, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Qualitative PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 335 Mycoplasma penetrans by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Mycoplasma species are the smallest and genetically simplest self-replicating bacteria. Mycoplasma species are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. They have recently been associated with certain acute and chronic illnesses and can function as causative agents, cofactors, and opportunistic infectious agents. M. penetrans has been isolated from the urogenital tract and from HIV patients. It is a potential cofactor in AIDS progression. Mycoplasmas have been associated with respiratory illness, urogenital disease, immunosuppressive disease, such as HIV infection, cardiac diseases, arthritic syndromes, tick-borne illness, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 336 Mycoplasma pneumoniae by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Mycoplasma species are the smallest and genetically simplest self-replicating bacteria. Mycoplasma species are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common cause of pneumonia and febrile upper-respiratory tract infections. Transmission occurs person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced by coughing. Other complications may develop with infections ranging from mild to life threatening. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 340 Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG/IgM by ELISA

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: Mycoplasma species are the smallest and genetically simplest self-replicating bacteria. Mycoplasma species are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common cause of pneumonia and febrile upper-respiratory tract infections. Other complications may develop with this disease ranging from mild to life threatening. Species-specific antibodies to surface antigens are known to exist and are readily detected by ELISA, even in the early stages of the disease. In the assay, IgG and IgM antibodies to M. pneumoniae in human serum are detected.
      • Method:
      • ELISA
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Tues and Fri.
  • 107 Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Real-Time PCR with reflex to ciprofloxacin resistance by Pyrosequencing
    • This test has been replaced by Test 145: Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Real-Time PCR with reflex to ciprofloxacin resistance by Pyrosequencing. (December 11, 2006)
  • 145 Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Real-Time PCR with reflex to ciprofloxacin resistance by Pyrosequencing
    • Clinical significance: The incidence of drug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae has increased dramatically worldwide. Since 1991, when the first ciprofloxacin resistant strains were isolated, the number of resistant cases has risen to exceed 70% in some Asian countries. Fluoroquinolone-resistant strains are also on the rise in the United States and Canada. Accordingly, the number of failed treatments has risen, with 500 mg doses of ciprofloxacin demonstrating an up to 30% failure rate for gonorrheal strains having a MIC greater than 1.0 ?g/mL. Therefore, the CDC currently does not recommend the use of fluoroquinolones for the treatment of gonorrhea acquired in Asia, the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii), England, Wales, California and other locales with increased quinolone-resistant prevalences. MDL is providing, at no additional charge to the client, an analysis of two codons within the DNA gyrase gene for all N. gonorrhoeae positive OneSwab® and UroSwab® specimens. Mutations in these regions have been associated with ciprofloxacin resistance and result in the recommendation of an alternative drug treatment. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification allowing results to be made available to the physician significantly faster than conventional culture based methods.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours, Up to 72 hours due to reflex testing
  • 362 Prevotella Species Group 1 by Real-Time PCR (P. bivia, P. disiens, P. intermedia, P. melaninogenica)
    • Clinical significance: Prevotella species are gram-negative non-motile rod-shaped singular cells that thrive in anaerobic growth conditions. Prevotella species can cause infections of the genital tract, urinary tract, wounds, bites, abscesses, bacteremia, and periodontal problems. Prevotella species involved in the Group 1 assay are Prevotella bivia, Prevotella disiens, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella melaninogenica. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 363 Prevotella Species Group 2 by Real-Time PCR (P. corporis, P. albensis)
    • Clinical significance: Prevotella species are gram-negative non-motile rod-shaped singular cells that thrive in anaerobic growth conditions. Prevotella species can cause infections of the genital tract, urinary tract, wounds, bites, abscesses, bacteremia, and periodontal problems. Prevotella species involved in the Group 1 assay are P. corporis and P. albensis. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 151 Staphylococcus saprophyticus by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species which is implicated in 10% to 20% of urinary tract infections (UTI). In females between the ages of 17-27, it is the second most common cause of UTIs. It may also reside in the urinary tract and bladder of sexually active females. S. saprophyticus can cause UTIs in men often as a complication of bacterial infections of the prostate gland or kidney. Some of the symptoms may include a burning and frequency of urination, a 'dripping effect' after urination, weak bladder, bloated feeling with sharp razor pains in the lower abdomen around the bladder and ovary areas and razor-like pains during sexual intercourse. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 308 Toxoplasma gondii by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite and the causative agent of the disease known as toxoplasmosis. According to the CDC, more than 60 million people in the US may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Although symptoms are not always apparent in healthy individuals, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems can present with more serious health issues. Such symptoms can include fever, sore throat, muscle pain and tiredness. In severe toxoplasmosis, damage to the brain and vision complications are possible. Infection of an unborn child early in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, poor growth, early delivery, or stillbirth. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 110 Treponema pallidum (syphilis) by Real-Time PCR

    • When sampling a crusted over lesion, moisten the swab with sterile saline solution prior to swabbing.

    • Clinical significance: Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. The diagnosis of syphilis through traditional culture methods is complicated by the fact that T. pallidum is one of the few major bacterial pathogens of humans that cannot be cultivated on artificial medium. In this assay, we utilize a sensitive technique for T. pallidum identification that is based upon the amplification of the gene encoding the pathogen-specific and highly conserved 47-kDa membrane immunogen (tpp 47). In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 358 Tropheryma whippelii by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Tropheryma whippelii is the causative agent of Whipple’s disease. Although most frequently associated with malabsorption syndrome accompanied by diarrhea, arthritis is the most common extraintestinal manifestation and affects up to 90% of patients. It can also affect the central nervous, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. World wide Whipple’s disease is extremely rare with only several hundred clinical cases being reported. It occurs primarily in Caucasian males over forty years of age. Although readily treated with antibiotics, it almost universally fatal in patients who fail to receive accurate diagnosis and treatment within one year. In this assay DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Stable at room temperature
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 320 Ureaplasma urealyticum by Real-Time PCR
    • Clinical significance: Ureaplasma, of the family Mycoplasmataceae, are among the smallest free-living bacteria. Colonization, the presence and multiplication of microorganisms without tissue invasion or damage, usually begins at birth with passage through an infected mother’s birth canal. Ureaplasmas have been isolated from the genital tract of 33% of infant girls and from the noses and throats of 15% of infant boys and girls. Carriage of these organisms does not usually persist beyond the age of 2. However, a small portion of pre-pubescent children will remain colonized and asymptomatic. As a result of sexual contact, the incidence of genital Ureaplasmas increases after puberty. In some pregnant women, Ureaplasma infections are considered to be the cause of chorioamnionitis and premature delivery. They are frequently transmitted from mothers to their infants, which may cause a variety of disorders including pneumonia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and chronic infection of the central nervous system. In this assay, DNA is extracted from the specimen and subjected to PCR amplification.
      • Method:
      • Real-Time PCR
      • Transport:
      • Whole blood stable at room temperature; refrigerate others
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours
  • 354 Yersinia species (IgG / IgA) by Western blot

    • Serum required

    • Clinical significance: The genus Yersinia encompasses a group of gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacteria. Three (Y. pestis, Y. enterocolitica, and Y. pseudotuberculosis) of the eleven species in this genus are human pathogens. Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis are responsible for an estimated 17, 000 cases of yersiniosis (hallmarked by enteritis) per year in the United States. In addition, approximately 20% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s disease, or reactive arthritis are culture positive for Yersinia species. Cases of Y. pestis, the causative agent of the plague, occur with far less frequency with an estimated 13 cases per year in the United States. Infection with Y. enterocolitica typically occurs in young children. Patients may present with fever, abdominal pain, and acute enteritis. In the assay, we detect IgG and IgA antibodies to Yersinia species in human serum.
      • Method:
      • Western blot
      • Transport:
      • Refrigerate
      • Turn around time:
      • 24-48 hours. Test performed on Fri.

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