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Test ID: PFGE    
Bacterial Typing by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

Typing of bacterial isolates is accomplished by comparing the DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of large DNA fragments separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of 2 or more bacterial isolates. Identical RFLP patterns indicate similarity of the isolates. The test is performed by isolating the DNA from the organism, cutting the DNA with a restriction enzyme which recognize 10 to 20 sites on the genome, and separating the fragments using PFGE. The size pattern of DNA fragments in the electrophoresis gel of different isolates is then compared.(Tenover FC, Arbeit RD, Goering RV, et al: Interpreting chromosomal DNA restriction patterns produced by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis: criteria for bacterial strain typing. J Clin Microbiol 1995;33:2233-2239)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; Continuously

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

5 days

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

13 days Testing may take longer if a large number of isolates are submitted fo

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

1 month

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester