Test Code Billings Clinic: 6743 Legionella Smear, Miscellaneous
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic Laboratory: Microbiology
Useful For
This procedure determines the presence of Legionella in a specimen by using a monoclonal fluorescent antibody specific for the organism. No culture is set. This is not a serologic test and it does not test for antibody to Legionella.
Methodology
Direct Fluorescent Antibody
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Acceptable Specimens:
Bronchial washings, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, or transtracheal aspirates
- Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
- Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
- Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
- Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
Negative (reported as positive or negative)
Automatic call-back: any positive
Day(s) Test Set Up
Daily
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87206 - Smear, primary source with interpretation; fluorescent for bacteria