Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) detection
Microbiology
Notes
- The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals.
- Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background
- P. jirovecii cannot be cultured, therefore molecular detection of this organism provides a sensitive and specific method for rapid diagnosis.
- Generally, very few organisms are present within the upper respiratory tract and thus lower respiratory tract specimens such as BAL and induced sputa (in conjunction with other clinical indicators) are usually required for the definitive diagnosis of PCP.
Sample requirements
Sputum, BAL or NPA
Samples should be collected in a sterile 60ml container of a sterile universal.
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
Storage/transport
Refrigerate immediately after collection
Transport to the laboratory without delay
Turnaround time
Samples are referred for testing - up to 3 days