Pneumocystis jiroveci Quantitative Real-time PCR
Some specimen types for this assay are reported as qualitative results; please see our Specimen Information section below for more information.
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.
ProcedureExtraction of Pneumocystis jiroveci DNA from specimen followed by amplification and detection using real-time, quantitative PCR. An internal control is added to ensure the extraction was performed correctly and the PCR reaction was not inhibited. This test has not been cleared or approved for diagnostic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
SpecificityThe primers and probes used in this assay are specific for known Pneumocystis jiroveci strains based on similarity search algorithms. Additionally, no cross reactivity was detected with any viral or protozoa pathogens.
Same day (within 8 - 12 hours from receipt of specimen), Monday through Saturday.
| Specimen Type | Test Code | CPT Code | NY Approved | Volume | Assay Range | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL | 2009 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
84 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
| whole blood | 2016 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
213 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
| trach asp | 2019 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
84 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
| bronch wash | 2026 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
84 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
| trach wash | 2048 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
84 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
Ship Monday through Friday. Friday shipments must be labeled for Saturday delivery. All specimens must be labeled with patient's name and collection date. A Viracor Eurofins test requisition form must accompany each specimen. Multiple tests can be run on one specimen. Ship specimens FedEx Priority Overnight® to: Viracor Eurofins, 18000 W 99th St. Ste, #10, Lenexa, KS 66219
Causes for RejectionSpecimens beyond their acceptable length of time from collection as listed in the specimen handling, specimens received in trap containers or specimen types other than those listed.
Specimens are approved for testing in New York only when indicated in the Specimen Information field above.
The CPT codes provided are based on Viracor Eurofins' interpretation of the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and are provided for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Questions regarding coding should be addressed to your local Medicare carrier. Viracor Eurofins assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes illustrated in this material.