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HelpTest ID: PNRP Pneumocystis jiroveci, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Reporting Name
Pneumocystis PCRUseful For
Preferred test for detection of Pneumocystis
Clinical Information
Pneumocystis pneumonia is an important cause of opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV. The causative agent, Pneumocystis jiroveci, cannot be cultured in vitro and, therefore, laboratory detection has historically relied upon microscopic identification directly from patient specimens using fluorescent stains or antibodies. Unfortunately, stains often lack sensitivity and require expertise on the part of the reader in order to differentiate Pneumocystis jiroveci from staining artifacts and other fungi. This real-time PCR assay provides sensitive (21% more sensitive than direct detection using fluorescent calcofluor white stain), specific, and objective detection of Pneumocystis from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and other specimens.
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of Pneumocystis DNA.
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable Pneumocystis DNA.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Cushion MT: Pneumocystis. In Manual of Clinical Microbiology. Eighth edition. Edited by PR Murray, EJ Baron, JH Jorgensen, et al: Washington, DC, ASM Press, 2003, pp 1712-1725
2. Maskell NA, Waine DJ, Lindley A, et al: Asymptomatic carriage of Pneumocystis jiroveci in subjects undergoing bronchoscopy: a prospective study. Thorax 2003;58(7):594-597
3. Miller RF, Ambrose HE, Wakefield AE: Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis DNA in immunocompetent health care workers in contact with patients with P. carinii pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2001;39(11):3877-3882
4. Takahashi T, Goto M, Endo T, et al: Pneumocystis carinii carriage in immunocompromised patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection. J Med Microbiol 2002;51(7):611-614
5. Vargas SL, Hughes WT, Santolaya ME, et al: Search for primary infection by Pneumocystis carinii in a cohort of normal, healthy infants. Clin Infect Dis 2001;32(6):855-861
6. Wakefield AE, Lindley AR, Ambrose HE, et al: Limited asymptomatic carriage of Pneumocystis jiroveci in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. J Infect Dis 2003;187(6):901-908
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Specimen Type
VariesShipping 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 PCR requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Pneumocystis species DNA is unlikely.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Pleural
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, tracheal secretions, or sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
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: Lavage fluid, bronchial washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
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. This test 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
mml-Demyelinating-Diseases, mml-Neuroimmunology, mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric