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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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PNEUMOCYSTIS SMEAR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2867    Geisinger Epic ID:  14620

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Respiratory specimens: bronchial washings (preferred) or bronchial alveolar lavages, bronchial brushings (prepared slides only), tissue touch prep specimens (lung tissue), and pleural fluid.


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

Fluids: 5-10 mL; minimum 2 mL. Tissue: 0.5-1 cm diameter (pe size); mininum 0.2 cm diameter (rice grain).


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (18-25°C)


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: < 24 hours. Refrigerated: 7 days at 2-8 °C


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Specimens in transport media. Expired collection/transport device. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Inappropriate specimen types.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No Pneumocystis jirovecii seen


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Pneumocystis jirovecii seen
CPT code(s):  87206
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Direct microscopic fluorescent examination of clinical specimen for P. jirovecii


Methodology: 
Direct Fluorescent Smear
Synonyms: 

Pneumocystis jirovecii smear, fluorescent smear for peumocystis, PCP smear, PNSM, Pneumocystis carinii


Clinical significance: 

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungal pathogen. Detection should prompt appropriate antimicrobial therapy.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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