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HelpTest ID: CIMRP Coccidioides immitis/posadasii, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Reporting Name
Coccidioides PCRUseful For
Rapid detection of Coccidioides DNA, preferred method
An aid in diagnosing coccidioidomycosis
Clinical Information
Coccidioidomycosis is caused by the dimorphic fungi, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. These organisms are endemic to the southwestern regions of the United States, northern Mexico, and areas of Central and South America, with recent literature suggests the geographic area of endemicity may be expanding over time.
The gold standard for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis is culture of the organism from clinical specimens due to its high sensitivity. However, growth in culture may take up to several weeks, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the propagation of Coccidioides species in the clinical laboratory is a significant safety hazard to laboratory personnel.
This polymerase chain reaction method can identify Coccidioides species directly from clinical specimens, allowing for a rapid diagnosis. Fungal culture should also always be performed since it may enhance detection, and the isolate may be needed for antifungal susceptibility testing.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates presence of Coccidioides DNA.
A negative result indicates absence of detectable Coccidioides DNA.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Williams SL, Chiller T: Update on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel). 2022 Jun 25;8(7):666. doi: 10.3390/jof8070666
2. Thompson GR, Ampel NM, Blair JE, et al: Controversies in the management of central nervous system coccidioidomycosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2022 Sep 10;75(4):555-559. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac478
3. Boro R, Iyer PC, Walczak MA: Current landscape of coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel). 2022 Apr 17;8(4):413. doi: 10.3390/jof8040413
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Specimen 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; specimen >7 days will be rejected.
Necessary Information
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coccidioides species DNA is unlikely.
Preferred Specimens: Body fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ocular fluid, respiratory (eg, bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL], bronchial washing, sputum), fresh tissue, or bone
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:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Body, ocular, or CSF
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, 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: Fresh tissue or bone
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 mm
Collection Instructions: Keep moist with sterile water or sterile saline
Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested tissue is acceptable.
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.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body fluid or nondigested respiratory specimen: 0.5 mL; Fresh tissue or bone: 5 mm; NALC-NaOH-digested specimen: 1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Not applicable
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CIMRP | Coccidioides PCR | 97916-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC64 | Coccidioides PCR, Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 88804 | Coccidioides PCR, Result | 97916-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric