Delays in Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR testing

On Friday, November 1^st , 2024, Mycoplasma PCR specimens will be mailed out to a reference laboratory, resulting in delays in turnaround time for a short period while supply chain issues are resolved. A new specimen type will also be required.

For the next two weeks, for the Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR (LAB4825):

• Collect an NP swab in viral transport media rather than the throat swab historically used for this test.
• Please send specimens for standalone Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR testing (LAB4825) directly to the Mailouts Laboratory at UIHC to prevent delays.

What you should know about Mycoplasma pneumoniae:

1. Infections have been increasing since May 2024 and are currently common. https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/index.html
2. The “respiratory pathogen panel” (LAB9255) also contains a Mycoplasma PCR and should be used for inpatients and others where a timely result is more critical. This test uses the same NP swab as prior.
3. We anticipate the protocol to revert to the prior sample collection after two weeks, after which we will have supplies to carry on testing uninterrupted. During the transition, we will use remaining supply to cover samples collected with the prior throat swab.

Questions about this broadcast can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford@uiowa.edu; *8290.