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Test Code LAB5343 Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Important Note

Mayo's test code: LEGRP

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

Legionella PCR

Specimen Type

Varies


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 Legionella DNA is unlikely.

 

Specimen Type: Lower respiratory

Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

 

Specimen Type: Fresh tissue or biopsy

Sources: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection or 5 mm(3) - approximately the size of a pencil eraser

Collection Instructions: Aseptically collect a 1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible

 

Specimen type: Fluid

Sources: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL


Reject Due To

Tissue in formalin, formaldehyde, or acetone
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block		 Reject

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Specimen Retention Time

7 days

Report Available

3 days

Reference Values

Not applicable

Useful For

Sensitive and rapid diagnosis of pneumonia caused by Legionella species

 

The assay is not recommended as a test of cure because bacteria nucleic acids may persist after successful treatment.

CPT Code Information

87801

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
LEGRP Legionella PCR 5020-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
SRC57 Specimen Source 31208-2
29515 Legionella PCR, Result 5020-3

Supportive Data

In a Mayo Clinic study, 153 archived respiratory specimens previously tested for Legionella species by direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) testing were extracted and tested using this polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The PCR assay was 100% sensitive and 99.3% specific, in comparison to DFA. Additionally, 30 lung tissues and 30 pleural fluids were spiked with 3 of the most frequently isolated Legionella species. Spiking studies showed similar analytical sensitivity for PCR and the DFA method. The analytical sensitivity was less than 50 targets/20 microliter reaction. No cross-reactivity was observed when tested on a panel of respiratory pathogens or normal flora bacteria of the upper respiratory tract. Thirteen serogroups of Legionella pneumophila (L pneumophila serogroups 1-12, 15/16) and 9 additional Legionella species (Fluoribacter [Legionella] bozemanae, Fluoribacter [Legionella] dumoffii, Legionella gormanii, Legionella jordanis, egionella longbeachae,  Legionella micdadei, Legionella oakridgensis, Legionella hackeliae, and Legionella wadsworthii) included in the panel were detected with the PCR method.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.