Center for Oral Microbiology Testing
OMTL Kit

Precautions have been taken by OMTL to assure uniformity in the contents of the kits. If any of the above items are missing, please contact us and the item will be forwarded to you immediately.

Detection of significant number of periodontal pathogens suggests the need for additional treatment. Options include repeated conventional therapy and/or appropriate systemic antibiotic therapy.

The OMTL KIT should include the following:

  • 6 Plastic Mailing Containers, each containing a glass vial with transport medium (for culture) and an empty plastic vial (for DNA probe analysis)
  • 1 sheet of pressure sensitive Identification Labels (12)
  • 6 Lab Request Forms
  • 6 Paper Point Packages
  • 6 Mailing Envelopes
  • OMTL Guidelines Brochure
  • Checklist for Sending OMTL Specimens

Sampling Instructions

Sample sites

The locations of primary interest for Microbiology sampling are advanced periodontal lesions suspected of being at risk of experiencing further periodontal destruction. Each sample may consist of material obtained from an individual periodontal pocket, or from two or three periodontal pockets (pooled sample).

Single pockets can provide detailed information on the microbiota of teeth of major importance for the dentition (abutment teeth, cosmetically critical teeth, etc.).

Pooled samples are useful in screening patients for the presence of periodontopathic bacteria.

Subgingival sampling

Supragingival plaque should be removed with cotton pellets or periodontal scalers to secure noncontaminated subgingival specimens. Blood and pus at the orifice of periodontal pockets should be removed by cotton pellets or a cotton roll prior to sampling. During sampling, the sample sites should be isolated by cotton rolls. Sterile absorbent paper points, provided in the OMTL KIT are to be used for subgingival sampling.

For single pocket samples:

Four paper points should be inserted to the depth of the periodontal pocket and kept there for ten seconds. Two of the paper points should be placed in a glass vial which contains the transport media (to be used for culture), and two of the paper points should be placed in an empty plastic vial (to be used for DNA probe analysis).

For pooled samples:

From each pocket selected for examination, two paper points (one for culture and one for DNA probe analysis) should be inserted and kept in place for ten seconds. From each sample site, the one paper point designated for culture should be placed in the glass vial and the one designated for DNA probe analysis should be placed in the plastic vial. No more than three paper points should be combined in each vial.

Periodontal scalers or syringes may also be used for subgingival sampling although paper points are recommended.

Transport Vials

Glass vials for culture:

Most periodontal pathogens are highly sensitive to oxygen; therefore, microbiology sampling must take place with minimal exposure to air.

The anaerobic transport medium contained in the small glass vials is clear, when free of oxygen, and is ready for use. If the transport medium exhibits a blue color extending beyond the surface layer, it has become oxygenated and should not be used.

Plastic vials for DNA probe analysis:

DNA probe analysis does not require live organisms or special transport medium. The paper points are placed in empty plastic vials.

Sample Transfer to Transport Vials:

Glass vials for culture:

After sampling, paper points should be immediately transferred to the anaerobic medium in the transport vials. The screw cap from the vial should be removed only during actual placement of the paper point into the vial. A slightly blue coloring of the surface of the anaerobic medium after placement will not compromise the bacteriological analysis. Do not keep the cap off of the vial for more than fifteen to twenty seconds; firmly tighten the caps onto the vials. Do not shake the vials after placement of the paper points as this could introduce oxygen into the media.

Plastic vials for DNA probe analysis:

After obtaining the specimen, place the paper points into the empty plastic vial. No other special precautions are necessary.

Sample Identification

The OMTL KIT contains Identification Labels. Before removing the self adhesive labels from the sheet, complete a label for each glass and plastic vial by indicating your OMTL account number, the patient's name, and the sampling date. After completing the information, attach the label to the vial. Use of the labels will help alleviate identification errors.
Remove supragingival plaque by means of cotton pellets or periodontal scalers. During sampling, sites should be isolated by cotton rolls.

For single pocket samples, 4 paper points should be inserted to the depth of the periodontal pocket and kept there for 10 seconds. Two should be placed in the glass vial and two in the plastic vial.

For pooled samples, 2 paper points should be inserted for 10 seconds into each of the periodontal pockets. From each sample site, one paper point should be placed in the glass vial, one in the plastic vial (No more than 3 paper points per vial).
Transfer the paper points immediately to the anaerobic medium and replace the vial cap quickly. Remember: the vial cap should only be removed for inserting the paper points. Do not expose the anaerobic medium to air for more than 15 to 20 seconds. No special precautions are needed for transfer of points to the plastic vial.
Complete an identification label for each transfer vial by neatly printing your OMTL account number, the patient's name, and the date the sample was taken. Remove the label from the sheet and wrap it around the vial.
Complete a Lab Request Form for each patient before sending the samples. Do not omit any sections and keep part three for your records.
Place 2 vials (glass and plastic) into the mailing container and insert the container into the mailing envelope. Be sure to include the lab request form.