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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 8047:
Pneumocystis Smear

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Pneumocystis jiroveci is one of the major microbial pathogens associated with opportunistic pulmonary infections in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or with immune deficiencies. Presently, the most common means to diagnose Pneumocystis jiroveci infection is by microscopic detection of the organisms in specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage, open lung biopsy tissue, induced sputum and transtracheal aspirate.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Negative: no cysts observed

Positive: cysts present

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Only the cyst stage of Pneumocystis jiroveci stains by this method

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Olsson M, Elvin K, Linder E, et al: Pneumocystis carinii is still a dangerous opportunist. The infection is continuously a threat to immunocompromised patients. Review 60 refs Swedish Journal Article. Review, Tutorial Lakartidningen 1999 Jan27;96(4):328-331

2. Shelhamer JH, Gill VJ, Quinn TC, et al: The laboratory evaluation of opportunistic pulmonary infections. Review 94 refs Consensus Development Conference, NIH. Journal Article. Review Annals of Internal Medicine 1996 Mar 15;124(6):585-599

3. Kim YK, Parulekar S, Yu PK, et al: Evaluation of Calcofluor white stain for detection of Pneumocystis carinii. Diagn Microbio Infect Dis 1990;13:307-310; Baselski VS, Robison MK, Pifer LW, Woods DR: Rapid detection of Pneumocystis carinii in bronchoalveolar lavage samples by using Cellufluor staining. J Clin Microbiol 1990;28:393-394