What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent cough, unexplained fatigue, night sweats, or weight loss that won't go away. It helps identify whether Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare bacteria are causing a lung or other tissue infection. This is especially useful if you have a weakened immune system or a lung condition that puts you at higher risk for this type of infection.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account as either Positive or Negative, with a clear explanation of what that finding means. If the result is positive, the next step is typically prompt follow-up care since these infections usually need targeted antibiotic treatment. A standard lab report is available for download from your account at any time, and you can use the trends feature to track any future retests over time.

Who should consider this test?

People with ongoing respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue that hasn't improved should consider this test. It's also a smart option for anyone with a weakened immune system, a chronic lung disease, or previous exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria. If a recent chest scan or culture suggested an unusual lung infection, this test can help pinpoint the exact cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include a chronic cough lasting weeks or months, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, low-grade fevers, and ongoing tiredness. Some people also notice shortness of breath or coughing up blood in more advanced cases. If you've had these symptoms and antibiotics for common infections haven't helped, this test can check for a less common but treatable cause.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed. This is much faster than traditional culture-based methods, which can take several weeks because the bacteria grow slowly. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your secure account.

What is Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare and why does it matter?

Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare are related bacteria found in soil, water, and dust that can cause lung infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or existing lung disease. Together they're often referred to as MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex). Identifying this specific bacteria matters because it needs a different treatment approach than more common infections like tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the bacteria's genetic material was found in your sample, indicating an active infection with Mycobacterium avium or intracellulare. This usually calls for prompt attention since MAC infections are typically treated with a multi-drug antibiotic regimen taken over several months. Catching it early with a fast PCR result can help you start appropriate care sooner rather than waiting weeks for culture results.

What causes a Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection?

These bacteria are common in the environment and are usually breathed in from contaminated water, soil, or dust particles. Most healthy people are exposed without ever getting sick, but those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung conditions like COPD or bronchiectasis, or older age are more susceptible. Simple prevention steps include avoiding stagnant water sources and maintaining good respiratory health.

How often should I retest?

If you're being monitored during or after treatment for a MAC infection, retesting every few months is common to check whether the bacteria are still present. If your result is negative but symptoms persist, retesting or additional testing may be worthwhile to rule out other causes. Tracking results over time in your account can help show whether an infection is clearing up.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, treat it as a signal to seek medical care promptly, since MAC infections generally require a specific combination of antibiotics for effective treatment. In the meantime, supporting your immune system with good nutrition, rest, and avoiding smoking can help your body respond better to treatment. Keep monitoring your symptoms and use the trends feature to track how your results change with follow-up testing.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

MAC Infection Test - Rapid Lung Bacteria PCR

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Mycobacterium Avium Infection Test (MAC PCR)

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Mycobacterium Avium Infection Test (MAC PCR)

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say