Test Price
320 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Culture Mycobacterium Atypical (NTM) Test – UAE | 320 AED | DNA Labs Dubai
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
The Culture Mycobacterium Atypical (Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium, NTM) Test provides definitive identification of NTM species from clinical specimens using ISO‑accredited automated MGIT liquid culture, fluorescent detection, immunochromatographic antigen testing, and MALDI‑TOF MS speciation. The test is offered at 320 AED with interim reports at 1, 3, and 6 weeks and a final result including antimicrobial susceptibility at 10 weeks. All invasive specimen collection (CSF, bone marrow, BAL, tissue biopsies) must be performed in an accredited hospital facility; only peripheral blood may be collected via home phlebotomy upon request. Insurance verification and clinical guidance are available via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. DNA Labs UAE operates under DHA Facility License 1143 and is ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Test Overview & Methodology
The NTM culture test isolates and identifies non‑tuberculous mycobacteria from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tissue biopsies, bone marrow, and blood (special bottles). Our laboratory employs automated MGIT liquid culture for rapid growth detection, fluorescent microscopy and immunochromatographic antigen testing for confirmation, and MALDI‑TOF MS for definitive species identification. This multi‑method approach delivers >99.9% diagnostic sensitivity and enables early interim reporting to guide empirical therapy.
| Feature | Our Test (DNA Labs UAE) | Conventional Lab Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Automated MGIT liquid culture + fluorescence, ICT antigen detection, MALDI‑TOF MS species ID | Solid culture only, phenotypic identification (delayed) |
| Interim Reporting | 1st at 1 week, 2nd at 3 weeks, 3rd at 6 weeks; positive cultures reported immediately | Often no interim reports; final only at 8–12 weeks |
| Diagnostic Accuracy | >99.9% sensitivity with ISO‑accredited protocols and dual‑method validation | Variable; single medium may miss fastidious species |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“A negative NTM culture does not rule out disease, especially in pauci‑bacillary specimens or following antibiotic exposure. Repeated sampling and molecular adjuncts may be required. Interpret results alongside clinical presentation, imaging, and risk factors. This test is for microbiological identification and susceptibility guidance; all therapeutic decisions must be made by your treating physician.”
— Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner, DHA Registration ID: 36234132
Advisory
Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. This test is for microbiological identification and susceptibility guidance only; clinical decisions must be made with your treating physician.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & ER Red Flags
- Home collection not advisable for patients with unstable vital signs, severe dyspnea at rest, or hemodynamic instability – proceed to emergency department.
- If you have acute massive hemoptysis (>1 cup of blood), chest pain radiating to back, or sudden altered consciousness, seek immediate ER care.
- Contraindicated specimens: clotted samples, SST gel tubes for CSF, pooled sputum/urine – improper containers may lead to rejection.
For 24/7 medical emergencies, call 998 or 999 in the UAE.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the Culture Mycobacterium Atypical (NTM) Test, and why is it ordered?
The NTM culture test grows and identifies non‑tuberculous mycobacteria from clinical samples like sputum, tissue, or sterile body fluids to diagnose infections that mimic tuberculosis but require different antibiotics. Physicians order it when patients present with chronic cough, unexplained fever, weight loss, or imaging suggestive of granulomatous disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It distinguishes NTM species such as Mycobacterium avium complex from M. tuberculosis, guiding targeted, often prolonged, multi‑drug therapy.
2. How long do NTM culture results take, and what do interim reports mean?
First interim report arrives after 1 week, second at 3 weeks, third at 6 weeks, and the final species identification and susceptibility at 10 weeks; any positive growth is reported immediately as soon as detected. Interim reports flag early growth (positive or negative so far) and rule out rapid growers. This allows clinicians to adjust empirical therapy early. Final MALDI‑TOF speciation and phenotypic susceptibility panels provide definitive antimicrobial guidance. Because NTM grow slowly, patience is essential – premature treatment change without complete data can lead to resistance.
3. How is the specimen collected for this test?
Specimen collection depends on the type required. For invasive specimens (CSF, bone marrow, BAL, tissue biopsies), sample collection must be performed strictly within an accredited hospital facility. For peripheral blood, home phlebotomy may be arranged if approved by the requesting physician. Sputum may be self-collected at home under provided instructions. All samples are transported via secure cold‑chain logistics to ensure viability. Mobile home phlebotomy is available for blood samples only, daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
4. How do I verify insurance coverage and book the test?
You can confirm direct billing eligibility and insurance coverage instantly via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. Simply send a photo of your insurance card, and our team will verify within minutes. To book a hospital‑based collection or home phlebotomy (if eligible), contact the same number. The test price is 320 AED.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
This test and all associated data handling comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Clinical safety and informed consent protocols follow Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. DNA Labs UAE operates under DHA Facility License 1143 and adheres to all DHA and MOHAP standards for laboratory diagnostics.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Culture Mycobacterium Atypical (NTM) |
| Price (AED) | 320 |
| Turnaround Time | Interim: 1, 3, 6 weeks; Final: 10 weeks (positive growth reported immediately) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Tissue Biopsies, Bone Marrow, Blood (special bottles). Invasive specimens require hospital collection. |
| Methodology Used | Automated MGIT liquid culture, fluorescent detection, immunochromatographic antigen testing, MALDI‑TOF MS species identification |
| ICD-10-CM Code | A31.9 (Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, unspecified), also A31.0, A31.1 |
| LOINC Code | 49194-3 (Mycobacterium sp identified in Specimen by Organism specific culture) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA License: 1143 | DNA Labs UAE, Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
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