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Test Code HBRP Histoplasma capsulatum/Blastomyces species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Reporting Name

Histoplasma/Blastomyces PCR

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Rapid detection of Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA

 

Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of histoplasmosis and blastomycosis

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)


Ordering Guidance


Urine is not an acceptable source for this assay. Studies indicate that Histoplasma DNA is not routinely found in the urine of patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. The recommended test for urine specimens is HSTQU / Histoplasma Antigen, Quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay, Random, Urine.



Additional Testing Requirements


This test should always be performed in conjunction with fungal culture; order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.



Shipping Instructions


Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; specimens received after 7 days will be rejected.

 

N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested specimen must arrive within 7 days of digestion.



Necessary Information


Specimen source is required.



Specimen Required


The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Histoplasma or Blastomyces species DNA is not likely.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Sources: Body, spinal fluid, bone marrow

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

 

Specimen Type: Respiratory

Sources:  Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

 

Specimen Type: Tissue or bone

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm

Collection Instructions: Collect a fresh tissue or bone specimen.

 

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested respiratory specimens

Sources: Lavage fluid, bronchial washing, gastric washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.

2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.


Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

Body fluid or respiratory specimen: 0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Ambient  7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

 Specimen in anaerobe vial or viral transport medium (including but not limited to M4, M5, BD viral transport media, thioglycolate broth)
Feces
Swab
Tissue in formalin fluid
Urine
Reject

Reference Values

Not applicable

Interpretation

A positive result for Histoplasma capsulatum indicates presence of Histoplasma DNA; a positive result for Blastomyces dermatitidis/gilchristii indicates presence of Blastomyces DNA.

 

A negative result indicates absence of detectable H capsulatum and B dermatitidis/gilchristii DNA. Fungal culture has increased sensitivity over this polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and should always be performed when the PCR is negative.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87798 x 2

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HBRP Histoplasma/Blastomyces PCR 81653-8

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
SRC78 Histo/Blasto Source 31208-2
32457 Histo/Blasto Result 81653-8

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm