Ordering Guidance

The cold agglutinin test is not specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and is not recommended to diagnose M pneumoniae infections. To diagnose M pneumoniae infections, order MPRP / Mycoplasmoides pneumoniae, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies. For screening recent or past exposure to M pneumoniae, order MYCO / Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies, IgG and IgM, Serum.

Specimen Required

Collection Container/Tube: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Pediatric Volume: 1 mL

Collections Instructions:

1. Use a warm pack to keep specimen at 37° C prior to and after collecting.

2. Allow specimen to clot at 37° C.

3. Centrifuge at 37° C and aliquot serum into plastic vial immediately after blood clots or within one hour of collection.

4. Do not refrigerate prior to separation of serum from red cells.