Pneumocystis jirovecii, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

PNEUMOPCRQT

Quest Code

18834

CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen

1 mL bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial wash submitted in a sterile leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold-packs)

Specimen Stability

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

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

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: Mon-Sat; Reporty available: 1-2 days

Reference Range

P. jirovecii DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (copies/mL)
P. jirovecii DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (Log copies/mL)

Clinical Significance

This test is intended for HIV-positive and immunocompromised individuals with clinical presentation and/or radiographic findings consistent with P. jirovecii infection. This test can be used to aid in the diagnosis of P. jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) enabling the initiation of specific therapy. The PCR test has higher sensitivity and specificity when compared to alternative diagnostic methods such as staining (GMS, Calcofluor white, DFA), (1,3) β-D-glucan test or imaging studies. Due to the analytical sensitivity of this assay, the test can be positive in colonized individuals without clinical evidence of PCP. The reportable range of this test is 250 to 125,000,000 copies/mL (2.40 to 8.10 Log copies/mL). The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical findings and history.

Reference
1. Bateman M, et al. Medical Mycology. 2020;58 :1015-1028.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

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.