Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (MOTT) Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) in UAE | 1500 AED | DHA-Licensed Laboratory

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

Price: 1,500 AED (inclusive of VAT if applicable)
Turnaround Time: 5–7 business days from isolate receipt
Diagnostic Accuracy: 99.9% sensitivity via ISO 15189‑accredited broth microdilution methodology
Logistics: Secure Medical Courier Solid Tissue Specimen Retrieval – isolates transported under controlled conditions (2–8°C) to preserve viability
Insurance: Direct coverage verification available via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731

Test Overview & Methodology

Our Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (MOTT) Drug Susceptibility Testing provides precise MIC‑based sensitivity profiling using CLSI‑recommended broth microdilution (M24‑A2). This quantitative method delivers exact minimum inhibitory concentrations (µg/mL) for a broad panel of antibiotics, enabling clinicians to tailor therapy for complex infections caused by M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, and related rapid growers. The test is performed exclusively on pure mycobacterial isolates submitted on solid or liquid media; direct clinical specimens are not accepted.

Feature	Our Test (Broth Microdilution MIC)	Conventional Agar Proportion
Method	Broth Microdilution (CLSI M24‑A2)	Agar Proportion Method
Turnaround Time	5–7 Days	14–21 Days
Quantitative Precision	Exact MIC (µg/mL)	Qualitative (S/I/R)
Drug Panel	Amikacin, Cefoxitin, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Imipenem, Linezolid, Moxifloxacin, Tigecycline, Tobramycin	Limited panel (3–5 drugs)

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

Dr. Ajay Singh (General Practitioner, DHA ID: 36234132): “Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with tuberculosis or chronic lung conditions. Accurate DST via broth microdilution is essential to distinguish effective from ineffective antibiotics. I advise patients to never self‑adjust their regimen; always discuss MIC results with a qualified physician who can integrate clinical and radiological findings for safe treatment planning.”

Medication Advisory

Do not discontinue or modify any antimicrobial therapy based solely on DST results without direct consultation with your treating physician. Inappropriate changes can promote drug resistance, treatment failure, or adverse outcomes during mycobacterial therapy.

Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags

Exclusion: Specimens with mixed contamination, insufficient growth, or non‑pure isolates will be rejected. Only pure cultures of rapidly growing MOTT on suitable media are accepted; direct sputum or tissue samples are not valid for this test.
Emergency Red Flags: Seek immediate emergency care for severe dyspnea, massive hemoptysis, altered mental status, or signs of systemic sepsis. DST results do not replace urgent clinical assessment.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. What is the purpose of MOTT drug susceptibility testing for rapid growers?

This test determines the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics against your specific mycobacterial isolate, enabling your doctor to choose the most effective drug combination. Rapidly growing NTM like M. abscessus often show multidrug resistance; MIC data help avoid ineffective agents and reduce the risk of treatment failure.

2. How should I prepare for this test?

No patient preparation is needed because the test is performed on a previously cultured isolate—not a direct sample from you. Your healthcare provider will arrange for submission of the pure growth obtained from an earlier sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, or tissue culture. This ensures accurate results without interference.

3. What is the turnaround time and how will I receive the results?

Results are typically available within 5–7 business days after the laboratory receives the viable isolate. The final report lists each drug tested with its MIC value and interpretation per CLSI breakpoints. You can access your encrypted report via our secure portal, and a telephonic consultation with a physician is offered to explain the clinical significance.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

DNA Labs UAE strictly complies 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. All clinical data and test results are encrypted and processed under the medical liability framework of Federal Decree‑Law No. 4 of 2016. Our facility is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (License No. 1143) and adheres to ISO 15189 quality standards.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (MOTT) Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) – Broth Microdilution
Price (AED)	1,500 AED
Turnaround Time	5–7 Business Days
Sample Type / Matrix	Pure mycobacterial isolate on solid (Löwenstein‑Jensen) or liquid (MGIT) media; direct clinical specimens not accepted
Methodology Used	Broth Microdilution (CLSI M24‑A2)
ICD‑10‑CM Code	A31.9 (Mycobacterial infection, unspecified) + additional codes as applicable
LOINC Code	62396-3 (Mycobacterium sp susceptibility by broth microdilution)
DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address	DNA Labs UAE – License No. 1143, Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE