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Test Code LEGRP Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Varies


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 Legionella DNA is unlikely.

 

Specimen Type: Lower respiratory

Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

 

Specimen Type: Fresh tissue or biopsy

Sources: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection or 5 mm(3) - approximately the size of a pencil eraser

Collection Instructions: Aseptically collect a 1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible

 

Specimen type: Fluid

Sources: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

Not applicable

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

CPT Code Information

87801

Clinical Information

Legionnaires disease was first recognized during a pneumonia outbreak at the Legionnaires convention in Philadelphia in 1976. Investigators with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isolated a novel, gram-negative bacillus, later named Legionella pneumophila. It is now widely recognized that L pneumophila (and other members of the genus Legionella) cause Legionnaires disease.

Reject Due To

Tissue in formalin, formaldehyde, or acetone
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block		 Reject

Method Name

Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Report Available

3 days

Forms

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