An evaluation of methods for the isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria from patients with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and patients assessed for lung transplantation

Table 2 Summary of culture methods

	Culture media	Decontamination	Inoculum	Incubation	Reading times
All samples	RGM at 30 °C	None	0.1 mL homogenized sample*	4 weeks	4,7,14,21,28 days
	RGM at 37 °C	None	0.1 mL homogenized sample*	4 weeks	4,7,14,21,28 days
CF samples	MGIT	H₂SO₄	0.5 mL of deposit.	≥ 4 weeks	Continuous
	MGIT	NaOH	0.5 mL of deposit.	≥ 4 weeks	Continuous
	LJ at 30 °C	H₂SO₄	0.2 mL of deposit.	4 weeks	Weekly
	LJ at 30 °C	NaOH	0.2 mL of deposit.	4 weeks	Weekly
	LJ at 36 °C	H₂SO₄	0.2 mL of deposit.	8 weeks	Weekly
	LJ at 36 °C	NaOH	0.2 mL of deposit.	8 weeks	Weekly
Non-CF samples	MGIT	NaOH	0.5 mL of deposit.	≥ 4 weeks	Continuous
	LJ at 36 °C	NaOH	0.2 mL of deposit.	8 weeks	Weekly

*Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) samples were concentrated by centrifugation prior to culture on RGM. Abbreviations: MGIT Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube, LJ Löwenstein-Jensen medium, H₂SO₄; 0.5 N sulfuric acid, NaOH; 4% (w/v) sodium hydroxide

ISSN: 1471-2466