Pneumocystis jirovecii – Pneumocystis pneumonia

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Place specimen container in the biohazard bag and seal bag, and insert the completed requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO laboratory on ice packs.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Pneumocystis jirovecii specimen testing is performed by microscopy daily Monday to Friday and on holidays when mycology staff are scheduled.

Turnaround time is 24 hrs for weekdays from receipt by PHO laboratory. For Saturday and holiday testing specimen will be tested on the next available business day.

Specimens for Pneumocystis jirovecii are tested by Fungifluor microscopy.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.