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HelpTest Code LAB1232011 Pneumocystis jiroveci, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
Pneumocystis PCRSpecimen Type
VariesAdditional Testing Requirements
This test should always be performed in conjunction with fungal culture; order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; specimens older than 7 days will be rejected.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Pneumocystis species DNA is unlikely.
Preferred Specimens: Pleural, respiratory (eg, bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL], bronchial washing, sputum), or fresh tissue
Acceptable Specimens: If no fresh specimen is available, digested respiratory specimens treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH) are acceptable (eg, BAL, bronchial washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion)
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Pleural
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested body fluid is acceptable.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: BAL, bronchial washing, tracheal secretions, or sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL if only PCR ordered or 3 mL if PCR ordered with smear and culture
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Respiratory
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit fresh tissue.
2. Keep tissue moist with sterile water or sterile saline
Acceptable
Specimen Type: NALC/NaOH-digested respiratory specimens
Sources: BAL, bronchial washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.
2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.
Reject Due To
| Body fluid other than pleural fluid Blood Bone Nonrespiratory tissue Bone marrow Organ tissues other than lung Paraffin-embedded tissue Specimen in anaerobe vial or viral transport medium Feces Swab Tissue in formalin fluid Urine |
Reject |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body fluid or nondigested respiratory specimen: 0.5 mL; Fresh tissue: 5 mm; NALC-NaOH-digested specimen: 1 mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Specimen Retention Time
7 daysReport Available
1 to 3 daysReference Values
Not applicable
Useful For
Preferred test for detection of Pneumocystis
CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PNRP | Pneumocystis PCR | 89996-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC63 | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 81698 | Pneumocystis PCR, Result | 89996-3 |
| 24188 | Special Information | 48767-8 |
| 24189 | Report Status | No LOINC Needed |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.