Detection and quantification of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA
Microbiology
Virology
○ BAL
○ Bronchial washings
○ Induced sputum
○ Biopsy tissue (e.g. open lung, transbronchial)
○ Sterile container (with small amount of normal saline if tissue) (min volume 5 mL for fluids or 1 to 2 grams of tissue)
BAL ○ Pass bronchoscope transnasally or transorally (if patient is not intubated) or via endotracheal tube (if patient is intubated). Instill a large volume of 0.85% sterile saline (nonbacteriostatic) into the airway lumen. Discard the initial fluid recovered (likely contaminated). Collect remaining fluid in a clean, sterile container via suction.
Bronchial washing ○ Pass bronchoscope transnasally or transorally (if patient is not intubated) or via endotracheal tube (if patient is intubated). For washings, inject aliquots of approximately 20 to 30 mL of 0.85% sterile saline (nonbacteriostatic) for adults, or 5 mL for children. Suction washings into a sterile container.
Sputum ○ Collect sputum by expectoration or by tracheal aspiration in sterile container.
Biopsy tissue (lung) ○ Collect 5-10 mm3 tissue aseptically using surgical technique/punch biopsy. Place in a clean, sterile container with a small amount of sterile saline.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ 3 days
416-586-4800 extension 4613
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Specimens should be transported at room temperature (20-25C˚) to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection. If a delay in transport of more than 24h is anticipated, specimens can be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8C˚).