Atypical Pneumonia DNA Panel, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

17610

CPT Codes
87486, 87541, 87581, 87798

Includes

Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR
Legionella DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR
Chlamydophila pneumoniae, DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Preferred Specimen

1 mL bronchial lavage/wash or sputum submitted in a sterile plastic leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Throat swab or nasopharyngeal swab sumitted in 3 mL VCM or M4 Transport medium

Instructions

Respiratory samples in M4 media: Use sterile vials containing 3 mL of sterile M4 media. If using swabs, use only sterile Dacron® or Rayon swabs with plastic or wire shafts. DO NOT use calcium alginate swabs, as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing. Break applicator sticks off near the tip to permit tightening of the cap.

Sputum: Collect in a sputum collection kit or a sterile, plastic container with a leak-proof cap.

Bronchial lavage: Collect in a sterile container with a leak-proof cap.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Specimens containing calcium alginate swabs

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 4 days

Reference Range

See individual tests

Clinical Significance

Atypical pneumonias share two features, which often makes it difficult to distinguish or diagnose the symptoms based on clinical presentation alone. The presentation is often a nonlobar, patchy, or interstitial pattern on chest x-ray. Routine culture and Gram stain fail to identify a causative agent. Respiratory virus can be grouped in this category as well. Generally physicians will order this panel on severely ill and/or immunocompromised patients, and generally not on outpatients.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.