Tuberculosis

The Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) provides mycobacteriology laboratory services for Pennsylvania state and county health departments. These services include smear, culture, PCR, identification of mycobacterium species, and drug susceptibility testing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) for raw clinical specimens submitted by state and county health centers. Nucleic acid amplification testing for MTBC by PCR is performed routinely on first-time smear-positive clinical specimens and on smear-negative specimens upon request. Results are available within 48 hours, Monday through Friday. PCR testing on specimens received after 11:00 a.m. on Fridays will be tested the following Monday. The BOL extends services to Pennsylvania hospitals and commercial laboratories. These services include identification of all mycobacteria and, for MTBC only, PCR, drug susceptibility testing and genotyping. Sputum collection kits are provided to public health departments only.

Please use the following forms for laboratory requests.

• Tuberculosis Molecular Testing Guidelines
• NAAT for TB FAQ
• Sputum Specimen Collection Kit Order Form
• Sputum Collection Chart
• Bureau of Laboratories Specimen Submission Form

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