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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 60755:
Mycoplasma genitalium, Molecular Detection, PCR

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Mycoplasma genitalium causes acute and chronic non-gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Culture isolation is technically challenging; PCR is the diagnostic test of choice.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of Mycoplasma genitalium from genitourinary and reproductive sources

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive PCR result for the presence of a specific sequence found within the Mycoplasma genitalium tuf gene indicates the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium DNA in the specimen.

 

A negative PCR result indicates the absence of detectable Mycoplasma genitalium DNA in the specimen, but does not rule-out infection as false-negative results may occur due to the following; inhibition of PCR, sequence variability underlying the primers and/or probes, or the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium in quantities less than the limit of detection of the assay

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Interfering substances may affect the accuracy of this assay; results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and epidemiological findings.

 

This test does not detect other mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Not applicable

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Stellrecht KA, Woron AM, Mishrik NG, Venezia RA: Comparison of multiplex PCR assay with culture detection of genital mycoplasmas. J Clin Microbiol 2004;42:1528-1533

2. Taylor-Robinson D, Jensen JS: Mycoplasma genitalium: from chrysalis to multicolored butterfly. Clin Micro Rev 2011;24:498–514