Fungal DNA detection by PCR

Test Code

38214

CPT Codes
87801<br>This test is not available for New York patient testing<br>Limited Access Code

Preferred Specimen

1 cc tissue (fresh or paraffin-embedded), or 1 mL fluids (non-blood) from a normally sterile sites, or Broncheoalveolar lavages (BAL)

Instructions

Tissue or fluid from a normally sterile site should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers.

Testing initiated upon receipt of specimen, Monday-Friday.

Also acceptable: E-swabs; Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET); non-blood body fluids collected in Vacutainer tubes without preservative; EDTA (lavender-top) tube; SPS (yellow-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Tissue/fluids
Room temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 60 days

*Note: For fixed tissue (PET blocks/unstained slides/scrolls) Quest unable to do range/used maximum:
Room temperature: Unrestricted

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

Tissues free-floating in formalin; Samples containing SPS, citrate, or heparin; Blood/Serum specimens; Samples collected on swabs (other than E-swabs)

Methodology
DNA extraction, Sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, nucleic acid purification

FDA Status
This test was developed by the Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 2-4 days (Preliminary)

Reference Range

No fungal DNA detected

Clinical Significance

In many specimens, fungal elements can be seen by microscopy of tissue sections but are very difficult to grow due to their fastidious nature, or are not viable as a result of antifungal therapy. Some specimens may never reveal the presence of a fungal pathogen because of low abundance and/or lack of viability. Often, fungal elements are seen on paraffin embedded tissue when a fresh tissue specimen is no longer available. The use of PCR technology to detect fungal DNA within the total DNA extracted directly from clinical specimens facilitates the identification of these pathogens. Using both fungal 28S and Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence (ITS) DNA as targets we have set up PCR assays to detect fungal pathogens. Sequences of amplified DNA are analyzed to identify the fungal pathogen present in the specimen.

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.