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Test Code LAB906 Pneumocystis (DFA)

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Direct Fluorescent Antigen (DFA)

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, induced sputum: ≥2 mL in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container

 

Bronchial brush:  brush in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container with 2 mL of sterile saline

 

Unacceptable Specimens:

Expectorated sputum and tracheal aspirates. Tissue (Send tissue specimens to histopathology.)

 

Collection Procedure:

 

Bronchial and Induced sputum:

  1. Aseptically collect ≥2 mL of specimen.
  2. Place specimen in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container.
    Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
  3. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen.

 

Bronchial brush:

  1. Place brush in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container with 2 mL of sterile saline.
  2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
  3. If transport is delayed, keep specimen at room temperature.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Cut-off time: 0900


Turnaround Time:
STAT: not available
Routine: results available the day of testing

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87281

Reference Values

Negative

 

The fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibodies specifically stain cysts of Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. carinii). The test is very specific and has a reported sensitivity of 50% to 80% with induced sputum and 90% to 95% with bronchoalveolar lavage.

 

Literature Reference:

Cushion MT. Pneumocystis. In: Versalovic, James, Carroll, KC, Jorgensen JH, et al. Manual of clinical microbiology. 11th ed. Washington DC: American Society for Microbiology; 2015;2015-2026.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate if transport is delayed

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

 

Minimum Volume:

0.5 mL in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container


Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Microbiology.