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Test Code CIMRP Coccidioides immitis/posadasii, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Reporting Name

Coccidioides PCR

Useful For

Rapid detection of Coccidioides DNA, preferred method

 

An aid in diagnosing coccidioidomycosis

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Varies


Additional Testing Requirements


This test should always be performed in conjunction with fungal culture; order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.



Shipping Instructions


Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; specimen >7 days will be rejected.



Necessary Information


Specimen source is required.



Specimen Required


The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Coccidioides species DNA is unlikely.

 

Preferred Specimens: Body fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ocular fluid, respiratory (eg, bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL], bronchial washing, sputum), fresh tissue, or bone

 

Acceptable Specimens: If no fresh specimen is available, digested respiratory specimens treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH) are acceptable (eg, BAL, bronchial washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion)

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Sources: Body, ocular, or CSF

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested body fluid is acceptable.

 

Specimen Type: Respiratory

Sources: BAL, bronchial washing, or sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL if only PCR ordered or 3 mL if PCR ordered with smear and culture

 

Specimen Type: Tissue

Sources: Fresh tissue or bone

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 mm

Collection Instructions: Keep moist with sterile water or sterile saline

Additional Information: Only fresh, non-NALC/NaOH-digested tissue is acceptable.

 

Acceptable

Specimen Type: NALC/NaOH-digested respiratory specimens

Sources: BAL, bronchial washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.

2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.


Specimen Minimum Volume

Body fluid or nondigested respiratory specimen: 0.5 mL; Fresh tissue or bone: 5 mm; NALC-NaOH-digested specimen: 1 mL

Reject Due To

Blood
Bone marrow
Specimen in anaerobe vial or viral transport medium (including but not limited to M4, M5, BD viral transport media, thioglycolate broth)
Feces
Swabs
Tissues in formalin fluid
Urine		 Reject

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reference Values

Not applicable

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CIMRP Coccidioides PCR 97916-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
SRC64 Coccidioides PCR, Specimen Source 31208-2
88804 Coccidioides PCR, Result 97916-1

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.