Stain, Pneumocystis

Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii) DFA, Pneumocystis Stain, PCP Stain, Antrim #40559, EPIC: LAB5530, SOFT: STPCP

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Pulmonary specimen in tightly sealed, sterile collection container. Acceptable specimen are listed below.

• Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
• Bronchial Washing
• Induced Sputum
• Lung Biopsy
• Sputum (This specimen is the least acceptable for Pneumocystis Stain. Non-induced sputum specimen are not encouraged but will not be rejected.)

Physician Office/Drawsite Specimen Preparation

The specimen must be refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) within two hours of collection. Maintain refrigerated prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Pulmonary specimen in a tightly sealed, sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens received in formalin or other preservatives.
• Specimens received on slides or swabs.
• Frozen specimens.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 5 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Grosse Pointe sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.
Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory.
Troy sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.

Performed

Monday - Friday.
STAT specimens available on weekends, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Routine results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

No Pneumocystis seen.

Test Methodology

• Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) - monoclonal antibodies against P. jiroveci cysts and sporozites cell wall and matrix.
• Microscopy.
• Fluid specimens are concentrated and stained.
• Imprints are made from tissue specimens and stained.

Interpretation

Specific fluorescence with typical morphology is diagnostic for the presence of P. jiroveci.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci, formerly P. carinii.

Reference

1. MeriFluor Direct Immunofluorescent Detection Procedure, Package Insert, SN 11060, Rev. 6/02.
2. Medscape: Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci Pneumonia Overview of PCP, Nicholas John Bennett, MB, BCh, PhD; Chief Editor: Burke A Cunha, MD. Updated February, 2012.

CPT Code

87281.

Test Codes

Antrim #40559, EPIC: LAB5530, SOFT: STPCP

Last Updated

11/08/2017