Test Detail

Chlamydia pneumoniae PCR

Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Test Description		Contact: Molecular Biology and Virology (319) 335-4376 Test Request Form: Viral and Bacterial PCR SHL OpenELIS Code: 608
Nucleic acid amplification by PCR to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F	1 - 3 business days	Nucleic Acid Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$69.97	87486
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Preferred Specimen Types: Sputum, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Tracheal Aspirate. Other acceptable specimen types: Swabs (Oropharyngeal, Nasopharyngeal) either dry or in viral transport medium, Nasopharyngeal Washes/Aspirates. PCR is a very sensitive test, and precautions should be taken to not cross-contaminate specimens (i.e., wear gloves and change before and after collecting specimen. Avoid contact with environmental surfaces).
Collection Instructions:	Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab: Collect specimen using a SHL Virus Isolation and Detection Kit (contains M4-RT viral transport medium and swabs) or equivalent viral transport medium. Insert swab through the nostril into the nasopharynx until tip reaches the posterior nasopharynx (a distance equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient). Leave the swab in place for 10 - 30 seconds. Slowly remove with a rotating motion. Place swab in M4-RT transport medium. Sputum: If possible, have the patient rinse mouth and gargle with water prior to sputum collection. An early morning specimen is best. Instruct the patient not to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge into container. Collect specimen resulting from deep cough in sterile screw-cap container. Satisfactory quality implies the presence of mucoid or mucopurulent material and is of greater significance than volume. Ideally, a sputum specimen should have a volume of 3-5 mL, although smaller quantities are acceptable if the quality is satisfactory.
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerate (2-8°C); DO NOT FREEZE; Overnight
Unacceptable Conditions:	Frozen samples; Sample obtained on cotton-tipped, wooden-shafted or calcium alginate swabs.
Expected Results:
Not Detected, Detected, Indeterminate, Equivocal
Shipping:
Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location.
Comments
PCR assay is much more sensitive than culture and serology. May produce epidemics in close-quarter settings such as military barracks or college dormitories.
Alternate Names
C. pneumoniae PCR, Chlamydophila pneumoniae