title: False-positive Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare cultures with the Bactec 460 TB system.
abstract: Isolation of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare from a number of specimens cultured with the Bactec 460 TB system was suspected to be due to carry-over contamination. The analysis of culture records and of the typing results confirmed this hypothesis. The problem seems to have been eliminated after replacement of the needle heater and increase of the needle temperature. We recommend that a number of precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of reporting false positive mycobacterial cultures.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Department, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Bignardi
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hinkins
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rebec
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003470:Culture Media / Q000032:analysis; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media