Blastomyces DNA, PCR
- Test Information
- Specimen Requirements
- Shipping Information
Test Code
402
Clinical Significance
Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV. Patients may present with non-specific symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Pneumocystis cannot be cultured in vitro and has classically been diagnosed based upon clinical symptoms and radiographic findings with confirmation via microscopic visualization of stained organisms which has lower sensitivity that is reliant upon reader expertise.
Methodology
Qualitative Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Turnaround Time
Same Day***
Reference Range
Not detected
Interpretative Information
PCR testing should be done in conjunction with other clinical diagnostics. A positive PCR result indicates the DNA was detected in the sample and that organism could be the cause of disease. Some organisms (molds and yeasts) can be commensals (or colonizers) and found in non-sterile locations such as the respiratory, GI, and urinary systems – without causing disease. A negative result indicates DNA was not detected in the sample but does not rule-out that organism as the cause of disease. All results should be interpreted considering the full clinical picture.
Additional Information
This test was developed, and its analytical performance characteristics were determined by MiraVista Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA; however, FDA clearance or approval is not currently required for clinical use. The results are not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.
Specimen Collection
BAL, Cavitary Effusion, tracheal aspirate*, or bronchial wash* in a sterile leak-proof container.
* Reported with a rare specimen comment applied.
Minimum Specimen Requirements
BAL, Cavitary Effusion, tracheal aspirate*, or bronchial wash* = 0.5 mL
* Reported with a rare specimen comment applied.
Specimen Stability
BAL
- Room Temperature: 30 days
- Refrigerated: 30 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Sputum
- Refrigerated: 14 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Transport Temperature
- Ambient
- Refrigerated
- Frozen
Shipping
Samples may be shipped on dry ice, frozen ice packs, or ambient.
* New positives may require confirmation.
** Turnaround times are provided as ranges, and may vary depending on daily testing volumes and specimen type.
*** Test set-up: Samples received by 10:30 AM are eligible for same-day testing. Same-day testing is not guaranteed and may vary based on daily test volume, sample receipt time, testing schedules, and sample type. Some samples may require pretreatment and/or confirmatory testing, which can extend turnaround time (TAT).
**** Patient's identification must be visible on the specimen container.
***** Specimens with particulate matter or viscosity that do not allow the specimen to be pipetted will be rejected.