Mycoplasmas are intermittently shed, so culture/PCR may be negative in the absence of clinical signs or in chronic infections. For individual animals, combining serology with culture and PCR is the most reliable diagnostic tool. For population monitoring, serology is preferred.
Culture and PCR
Mycoplasmas are fastidious organisms that can require long incubation periods for growth in culture, which is reflected in our estimated turnaround times.
Our laboratory offers culture and PCR combined in one test (see testing table). We perform PCR directly on the submitted sample and on the culture after the incubation period. PCR of the culture is more sensitive than direct PCR of the sample, as culture incubation may allow the organisms to grow to a detectable level. Preliminary direct PCR results are available upon request at a faster turnaround time, but we recommend waiting for a full report that includes culture results.
ELISA Serology
ELISA may be negative during early-stage infection, but culture and PCR may be positive. We suggest combining serology, culture, and PCR to get the most reliable diagnostic results.
We recommend retesting any animals who have “suspect” results after 6 weeks in quarantine as these animals may test positive after this period.
For whole genome sequencing or antimicrobial testing contact the lab (nicoleadams@ufl.edu and mbbrown@ufl.edu) for more information.
Tortoise/Turtle/Chelonian Species
| Test Code | Test | Test Description | Accepted Sample Types | Estimated Turnaround Time | Current Price | Price as of 7/1/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMAG | ELISA serology for Mycoplasma agassizii | This is the most commonly used test to detect exposure to M. agassizii, a cause of URTD in tortoises. | A minimum of 0.1 mL serum or heparinized plasma. If sending a small volume, please parafilm the top to reduce evaporation. (NO WHOLE BLOOD ACCEPTED FOR ELISA) | 5-10 business days | $35 | $45 |
| EMTEST | ELISA serology for Mycoplasma testudineum | This test detects exposure to a second species of mycoplasma that can be associated with URTD and eye infections. | A minimum of 0.1 mL serum or heparinized plasma. If sending a small volume, please parafilm the top to reduce evaporation. (NO WHOLE BLOOD ACCEPTED FOR ELISA) | 5-10 business days | $35 | $45 |
| CCP | Chelonian Mycoplasma culture and PCR | This test includes culture (more sensitive) and PCR plus speciation of positive samples as either M. agassizii or M. testudineum. To avoid false negative results, this test is recommended primarily for clinically ill animals with active nasal discharge. | Choanal (preferred) or nasal swab in mycoplasma transport media, a minimum of 1 mL of nasal flush fluid, URT tissues. | 10-12 business days* | $35 | $45 |
| PS | 16S PCR sequencing | This test provides speciation if the PCR is positive, and the product cannot be identified as M. agassizii or M. testudineum. Only available in addition to a culture and PCR test if the PCR is positive. | 2-5 business days | $35 | $35 |
Alligator/Crocodile/Caiman Species
| Test Code | Test | Test Description | Accepted Sample Types | Estimated Turnaround Time | Current Price | Price as of 7/1/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACP | Mycoplasma alligatoris culture and PCR | This test is the recommended test to detect exposure to M. alligatoris and includes culture (more sensitive) and PCR. | Nasal or oral swab in mycoplasma transport media, a minimum of 0.2 mL of whole blood in Sodium Citrate or EDTA, a minimum of 1 mL of lavage fluid of the affected area(s), or tissue. | 3-5 business days* | $40 | $45 |
| PS | 16S PCR sequencing | This test provides speciation if the PCR is positive, and the product is a species other than M. alligatoris. Only available in addition to a culture and PCR test if the PCR is positive. | 2-5 business days | $35 | $35 | |
| EMALL | ELISA serology for Mycoplasma alligatoris | This test detects exposure to M. alligatoris, a deadly disease in alligators. | A minimum of 0.1 mL serum or heparinized plasma. If sending a small volume, please parafilm the top to reduce evaporation. (NO WHOLE BLOOD ACCEPTED FOR ELISA) | 3-5 business days | $40 | $45 |
Bovine
| Test Code | Test | Test Description | Accepted Sample Types | Estimated Turnaround Time | Current Price | Price as of 7/1/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCP | Mycoplasma bovis culture and PCR | This test detects exposure to bovine Mycoplasma species and includes culture (more sensitive) and PCR. | Swab of the affected area(s) in mycoplasma transport media, a minimum of 1 mL of lavage fluid of the affected area(s), or tissue. | 5-7 business days* | $35 | $45 |
| PS | 16S PCR sequencing | This test provides speciation if the PCR is positive, and the product is a species other than M. bovis. Only available in addition to a culture and PCR test if the PCR is positive. | 2-5 business days | $35 | $35 |
Miscellaneous Species
(small animal, food & fiber animals (non-porcine), reptiles, avian (non-poultry), lab animal, reptile)
| Test Code | Test | Test Description | Accepted Sample Types | Estimated Turnaround Time | Price | Price as of 7/1/2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCP | Miscellaneous species Mycoplasma culture and PCR | This test detects exposure to various Mycoplasma species and includes culture (more sensitive) and PCR. | Please contact the lab for sample type suggestions based on the host species. | 5-7 business days* | $35 | $45 |
| UCP | Miscellaneous species Ureaplasma culture and PCR | This test detects exposure to various Ureaplasma species and includes culture (more sensitive) and PCR. | Please contact the lab for sample type suggestions based on the host species. | 5-7 business days* | $35 | $45 |
| HCP | Miscellaneous species hemoplasma PCR | This test detects exposure to Hemoplasma species. | Whole blood in EDTA or sodium citrate tube. | 5-7 business days | $35 | $45 |
| PS | 16S PCR sequencing | This test provides speciation if the PCR is positive. Only available in addition to a culture and PCR test if the PCR is positive. | 2-5 business days | $35 | $35 |
*Preliminary PCR results available upon request
