INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCURATE AND RELIABLE PCR TEST

Do not take any antibiotics for at least one month or more before a PCR blood test. The antibiotics will remove most of the infection from the blood, preventing an accurate result. This restriction also applies to natural products that kill Mycoplasmas,

The best time to have blood drawn is when an individual is symptomatic. Mycoplasma can remain in a semi-hibernation state and not cause symptoms. When the individual has symptoms, the Mycoplasma are more likely to be circulating in the blood.

Have the blood drawn at the testing lab. If that is impractical, have the blood drawn at a local lab and delivered to the testing lab by courier (i.e., Fed Ex) within 24 hours.

Have the blood sample drawn later in the day if you are shipping by overnight courier.

Send the sample early in the week to insure that it will be processed promptly.

A PCR test can also be performed on tissue samples (bone marrow, thyroid gland, etc.) and on other fluids (cerebrospinal and synovial).

Specimen Requirements: one (1) 5 cc Lavender top Plastic Tube (EDTA). The blood, fluid or tissue is collected, immediately mixed and placed on blue ice. The specimen is then shipped on blue ice (avoid freezing sample) by courier to arrive at the testing lab within 24-36 hours.

(Created 7/1/05 by Sharon Briggs)