Frequently Asked Questions
Mycobacteriology
Will specimens be received on weekends and holidays?
The David Axelrod Institute has security staff present in the building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If specimens are delivered when the Mycobacteriology Laboratory staff are not available, the security personnel will receive them and store them appropriately. The specimens will be processed by the Mycobacteriology Laboratory on the next working day.
Where do we get mailers suitable for shipping specimens to the Mycobacteriology Laboratory?
To request shipping materials please contact the New York State order desk at 518-474-4175.
Should specimens be shipped to the Mycobacteriology Laboratory on dry ice?
There is no need to ship mycobacteriology specimens on dry ice. They can be shipped at ambient temperature.
Will you accept specimens that have been stored for several days?
Specimens for mycobacterial testing should be less than 7 days old when received at the Wadsworth Center. NOTE: Specimens that are >7 days old may be accepted on a case-by-case basis as deemed appropriate by the Mycobacteriology Laboratory Director.
How do we get Mycobacteriology test results? Can the results be faxed to us?
Results are available electronically through the Health Commerce System (HCS). Results are not faxed.
How sensitive is the real-time PCR assay used for M. tuberculosis complex detection?
The assay will detect as low as 200 bacilli per ml of specimen material.
Does the Mycobacteriology Laboratory perform PCR testing on paraffin-embedded tissue specimens?
The Mycobacteriology Laboratory no longer accepts formalin fixed or paraffin-embedded tissue specimens under any circumstances.