Ordering Recommendation

Use for rapid identification of P. jirovecii; sensitivity is dependent on patient population and specimen type. Molecular testing is generally preferred; refer to Pneumocystis jirovecii by PCR (2006254) or Pneumocystis jirovecii DFA with Reflex to Pneumocystis jirovecii by PCR (2009226).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Respiratory specimen: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or induced sputum.

Specimen Preparation

Transfer 5 mL respiratory specimen to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Tissues. Formalinized specimens. Slides or swabs.

Remarks

Specimen source preferred.

Stability

Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Direct Fluorescent Antibody Stain

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-2 days

Reference Interval

Negative

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

FDA

Note

A negative stain result does not exclude the possibility of infection. False-negative results may occur due to sampling errors or a low number of organisms in the specimen.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87015; 87281

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0060052 Pneumocystis jirovecii by DFA 700-5
2002588 Pneumocystis source: 31208-2
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Pneumocystis carinii DFA
Pneumocystis jirovecii DFA