Chlamydia pneumoniae by PCR
Also known as: CPNEUMOPCR
Use
The Chlamydia pneumoniae by PCR test is designed to detect the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections, including community-acquired pneumonia. It is a highly specific and sensitive technique that amplifies the genetic material of the organism, allowing for its detection even in low abundance. This test is beneficial for diagnosing infections where Chlamydia pneumoniae is suspected as the causative agent, especially in atypical pneumonia cases or when other common pathogens are not found.
Special Instructions
This test requires a respiratory specimen, which includes bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), nasal wash, nasopharyngeal swab, or pleural fluid. Specimens must be collected appropriately and transported under the specified conditions. Each specimen should be placed in a separate, individually sealed bag and can be transferred to viral transport media if needed.
Limitations
This test has several limitations, including the possibility of PCR inhibitors being present in the specimen, which can affect the results. A negative result does not necessarily rule out the presence of the organism, especially if the bacterial load is below the detection limits of the assay. It is crucial to consider the clinical context and other diagnostic tests when interpreting results. Additionally, the test is not FDA cleared or approved, although it was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories within a CLIA certified laboratory.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 66746-9
- 34645-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
Fluid samples can be transferred to viral transport media (ARUP supply #12884). Each specimen should be placed in a separate, individually sealed bag.
Storage Instructions
Transport samples frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Tissues in optimal cutting temperature compound.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |