Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. carinii)

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB3230
  • Soft Test Code:
  • PDFAQ
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 12200
Alternate Names
  • Pneumocystis jaroveci
  • Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. carinii) DFA
Clinical Significance

 Pneumocystis carinii, now considered a fungus, is an opportunistic infection seen especially in patients infected with HIV and on immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., post-transplantation. Pneumocystis carinii causes pneumonia


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

 3.0 mL Brochoalveolar lavage or wash in a sterile container


Alternate Specimen

Sputum; two acetone fixed slides from bronchial bushing/wash


TransportAndStorage

 Refrigerated (cold packs)

Bronchial lavage/wash, sputum stability:
Room Temperature: unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen:  Unacceptable

Slides:
Room Temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days


Collection Instructions

Bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial lavage/wash submitted in a sterile, leakproof container, refrigerated (cold packs).
Keep refrigerated.
All client prepared slides must be fixed in acetone for 10 minutes prior to drying.  Client prepared slides made from tissue require Director approval.  Slides must be shipped in plastic or cardboard slide transport devices.


Minimum Volume

2.0 mL lavage


Neonatal Volumne

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

 Not Detected


Methodology:
  • Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)

Clinical Significance

 Pneumocystis carinii, now considered a fungus, is an opportunistic infection seen especially in patients infected with HIV and on immunosuppressive therapy, e.g., post-transplantation. Pneumocystis carinii causes pneumonia


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

Report available: next day


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00918750


CPT Coding

87281