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). It serves Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland and also provides international reference services for WHO and ECDC. The laboratory processes approximately 40,000 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

• Conducting routine, specialized, and emergency diagnostics for TB and diseases caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) using methods such as:
  • Microscopy
  • PCR and other DNA-based technologies
  • Culture

3. Resistant TB and NTM

• Diagnostics and surveillance of resistant TB and NTM, focusing on:
  • Multidrug resistance (MDR)
  • Extensively drug resistance (XDR)

4. Immunological Diagnostics

• Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through interferon-gamma detection after antigen stimulation.

5. Genotyping

• Genotyping of mycobacteria using advanced DNA-based methods.

6. Reference Functions

• Performing national and international reference tasks, including:
  • Advising healthcare systems
  • Collaborating with international organizations such as ECDC and WHO

7. Advisory Services

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

Links

WHO TB SRL Copenhagen