International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology

Purpose

The International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology (IRLM) is recognized as the national reference laboratory for tuberculosis (TB) and mycobacteria in Denmark by the National Health Board, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Laboratory serves Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, and provide additional international reference services for WHO and ECDC.

IRLM processes approximately 340,000 specimens annually using microbiological, molecular biological, and immunological methods. Most routine analyses are accredited according to ISO 17025 standards.

Tasks

1. Laboratory Surveillance and Research

• Research-based national and international surveillance of TB and mycobacteria in humans, animals, and medical equipment.

2. Diagnostics

• Routine, specialized, and emergency diagnostics for TB and diseases caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) using:
  • Microscopy
  • PCR, whole genome sequencing, and other DNA-based technologies
  • Culture

3. Resistant TB and NTM

• Diagnostics and surveillance of resistant TB and NTM with emphasis on:
  • Multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB)
  • Extensively drugresistant TB (XDR-TB)

4. Immunological Diagnostics

• Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection via interferon-gamma release after antigen stimulation.

5. Genotyping

• Genotyping of mycobacteria using advanced DNA-based technologies.

6. Reference Functions

• National and international reference activities, including:
  • Advisory services to healthcare systems
  • Collaboration with international organizations such as ECDC and WHO

7. Advisory Services

• Guidance on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, transmission, and contact tracing.
• Interpreting test results and support to relevant authorities.

Links

WHO TB SRL Copenhagen