Mycobacteriology Laboratory
Proficiency Testing (PT) Program
Mycobacteriology Proficiency Testing Categories
SMEARS ONLY This category is for laboratories that only examine smears for acid-fast bacilli. Laboratories holding this category must submit all specimens for growth detection and identification to a laboratory holding a New York State permit in the appropriate Mycobacteriology category.
Mycobacteriology Identification This category is for laboratories that process and examine smears for acid-fast bacilli, Laboratories holding this category may also isolate all mycobacteria and identify them to the extent of their abilities as indicated by a laboratory identification survey. If a final identification can not be reached, the isolated mycobacteria must be submitted to a NYS permitted laboratory for identification.
Mycobacteriology Susceptibility This category is for laboratories performing testing as outlined in the General category description and also perform susceptibility testing. Laboratories in this category must identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis.