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Pneumocystis Jiroveci Quantitative PCR, BAL

PJP, Pneumocystis carinii

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1230149, Viracor: 2009

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) in a sterile screw top tube/container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain BAL at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 2.0 mL of BAL in a sterile screw top container, room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain BAL at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Transport: 2.0 mL of BAL in a sterile screw top container, room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days.

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Eurofins/Viracor Laboratory in Lenexa, KS.

Performed

Monday – Saturday
Results available in 1-3 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Clinical Utility

Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia is a major cause of illness and death in individuals with impaired immune systems. Pneumocystis almost always affects the lungs, causing a form of pneumonia referred to as PCP. The organism that causes PCP has been renamed Pneumocystis jiroveci to reflect its new classification as a fungus. Quantitative DNA PCR is useful to detect the organism, track the course of infection, and monitor response to treatment.

CPT Codes

87799

Contacts

Last Updated

8/23/2024