International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology

Purpose

International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology (IRLM) is recognized as the national reference laboratory for tuberculosis and mycobacteria in Denmark by the National Health Board, ECDC and WHO. It serves Denmark, Faroe Islands and Greenland and also carries out international reference functions for WHO and ECDC. The laboratory receives approximately 35.000 specimens annually using microbiological, molecular biological, immunological, and pharmacological methods. Most routine analysis are ISO 17025 accredited.

Tasks

• Laboratory based surveillance of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in humans, animals and medical equipment / environmental specimens
• Diagnostics of tuberculosis and NTM by microscopy, PCR/DNA based methods and culturing
• Diagnostics and surveillance of resistant tuberculosis and NTM, including multi- (MDR), extended- (XDR) and totally- (TDR) drug resistance by TREK-, proportion- and genotypic methods
• Detection of M. tuberculosis infection by interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA)
• Nationwide genotyping of mycobacteria by different DNA-based methods (introduced in 1992)
• National- and international reference functions (ECDC, WHO)
• Guidance on preventive measures, treatment, transmission, contact tracing, and interpretation of results