Mycoplasma genitalium PCR

Diagnostic Use

Mycoplasm genitalium is an established cause of sexually transmitted infections and a cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in both men and women.

M. genitalium has also been associated with cervicitis and recent studies indicate a role in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

The incidence of M. genitalium from a local study of males presenting at sexual health clinic with recurrent urethritis found 16%(9 out of 55) positive rate second only to Chlamydia trachomatis which was 22% (12 out of 55)

A study performed at Canterbury Health Laboratories found the incidence of M. genitalium resistance was 70%

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

MGTV

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Please register one sample per request number.

Laboratory

Testing is performed daily on routine weekdays.

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

9424

Specimen Type

• Urine
• Swab - see Additional Information

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Acceptable

• Swab - Viral

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

4

No of Samples Required

1

Interferences

This is the list of lubricant gels that Do Not interfere with our assay and which can be used for speculum examinations:

Shield Gel (However, Shield Gel cannot be used for nasogastric tube insertions (NGT).
KY Jelly (is not available in single-use sachets in NZ)
Lubrigel (is not available in single-use sachets in NZ)

Lubricant gels that INTERFERE with our CT/NG/MG/TV assay and cause failures of the internal control are:
Surgi-Gel Plus: can be used for nasogastric tube insertions (NGT)
Optilube: can be used for nasogastric tube insertions (NGT)

Pre-testing Requirements

M. genitalium will be tested only if specifically requested.
Sample collection remains the same for other molecular STI testing using the specific collection device: See Specimen collection protocol.

Additional Specimen Information

Sample collection as per Chlamydia trachomatis protocol, please refer to Swab Guide under Additional Information section below.
DO NOT USE SURGI-GEL or OPTILUBE when taking swabs as these interfere with the assay!

Specimen collection packs containing the correct media are available from Customer services at Canterbury Health Laboratories by email: LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

Sample:
Urethral, vaginal/cervical swabs and first void urine.
Swabs in Amies transport media are unsuitable for PCR.
Specific multi-collect medium as provided is required. Other Universal transport media or collection systems are not validated.

Send samples ASAP to Laboratory. Samples are valid for processing post collection for up to 14 days when stored and transported 2-30 degrees.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

“M. genitalium DNA detected” indicates the presence of M. genitalium in the sample.

“M. genitalium DNA not detected indicates that M. genitalium was not present in the sample or at levels lower than the assays detection level.

When M. genitalium is detected, further testing is performed to identify the presence of macrolide resistance markers.

If an invalid result is returned on testing of the primary specimen, the sample will be diluted for re-testing. Results are invalid when PCR inhibitors are present, or if there is insufficient cellular material. A repeat sample will be requested.

Test Method

Real-time PCR for the detection of M. genitalium and mutations for macrolide resistance.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$91.68 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9424

Trichomonas vaginalis needs to be requested as a separate PCR however the same sample type is appropriate.

Urine samples for M. genitalium should be stored at 4°C and sent to CHL within 72 hours.

Swab samples in transport media can be stored between 2°C and 30°C for up to 14 days.

Specific collection kits containing all the necessary items for self collect are available from Reception at CHLabs.

Resources

• Swab Guide

Contact Information

Enquiry Form