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Test Code
CPNCR
Test Name
Chlamydia pneumoniae PCR
CPT Codes
87486
Expected Turnaround Time
5 days
Clinical Utility

Aid in the diagnosis of Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae infection.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Container

Volume

Throat or nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

Universal Transport Media (UTM)

one swab

Bronchial washings or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

Sterile Container (Preservative Free)

1 mL

 NP wash/aspirate

Sterile Container (Preservative Free)

1 mL
Collection Instructions

BAL

  1. Collect bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial washing following lumbar puncture procedure.

NP Wash/Aspirate

  1. Collect nasopharyngeal wash or aspirate in a sterile container.

Swab

  1. Collect throat or nasopharyngeal (NP) swab using a Universal Transport Media.
Processing and Submission Instructions

BAL

  1. Transport 1 mL of BAL or bronchial washing in a sterile container (preservative free).

NP Wash/Aspirate

  1. Transport 1 mL of a NP wash or aspirate in a sterile container (preservative free).

Swab

  1. Place swab in media and secure lid. Transport 1 swab in the UTM.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

7 days
Causes for Rejection
  • Quantity not sufficient for analysis
  • Gross specimen contamination
  • Specimen too old
  • Leaking or broken tube
Methodology
Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Intervals

See patient report.
Alternate Names
  • Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae, PCR
Reference Lab
Labcorp Of America Holdings
Testing Schedule
Routine, 3 times per week
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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