Application of Replicate Organism Detection and Counting Method (RODAC) in Measuring Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Contamination in High Burden Laboratories

Background: Technicians working in high burden tuberculosis (TB) laboratories pose a higher risk of being infected by Mycobacterium from clinical samples. Contamination control is mandatory to detect the release bacteria into environment and minimize exposure workers. The contamination measurement rarely performed due lack standard methodology. This study optimized applied unique culture-based method named Replicate Organism Detection Counting (RODAC) plates assess presence M. contaminant laboratory with Methods: RODAC was on twenty surfaces Mycobacteriology Laboratory Universitas Padjadjaran. results were compared DNA-based detection same using in-house IS6110 real-time PCR (IS6110-qPCR). limit plate 19.6 CFU mL-1.Results: From all tested, two distinct colonies found stamped Ziehl-Neelsen staining basin. Those identified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), confirmed MPT64 antigen test acid-fast bacilli. IS6110-qPCR detected DNA ten sampling points, including ZN basin, incubators, microscopy areas. more surface versus RODAC. However, it noted that RODAC, which method, live bacteria, while could not distinguish between dead bacteria.Conclusion: application suitable for monitoring inform proper corrective action.