CLSI Publishes New Microbiology Guideline, M48
9/25/2018
Wayne, Pennsylvania, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has published M48—Laboratory Detection and Identification of Mycobacteria.
This guideline covers topics related to laboratory diagnosis of mycobacterial infections. Essential safety aspects are discussed in this guideline, with an emphasis on specific practices for the mycobacteriology laboratory. A table describing appropriate collection, transport, and storage conditions for various specimen types is included. Optimal methods for specimen processing, direct detection, and mycobacterial culture are also provided. Important laboratory issues and concerns, such as contamination, QC, and QA, are discussed. Finally, current methods for mycobacterial identification are provided.
Although this guideline’s primary focus is the diagnosis of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are also discussed in terms of clinical significance and optimal laboratory methods for detection, culture, and identification. The relative clinical importance of any given NTM and the considerations regarding the isolate’s clinical significance are discussed.
Recommendations for managing the unique challenges associated with the increasing incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria infections are included.
For more information about M48, contact Patrick McGinn at pmcginn@clsi.org or +1.484.588.5933.
CLSI sets the standard for quality in medical laboratory testing. A not-for-profit membership organization, CLSI brings together the global laboratory community for the advancement of a common cause: to foster excellence in laboratory medicine.
For nearly 50 years, our members, volunteers, and customers have made CLSI a respected, transformative leader in the development and implementation of medical laboratory testing standards. Through our unified efforts, we will continue to set and uphold the standards that drive quality test results, enhance patient care delivery, and improve health care around the world.
By using CLSI standards, laboratorians can improve process quality, speed the development of standard operating procedures, and implement safer practices with greater ease and efficiency.