Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Special Stain      Number 190256 CPT 88312 Synonyms P. carinii Pneumonia, Stain ; PCP Stain Test Includes Cytologic examination of smears Special Instructions Include patient's name, date of birth, date of collection, specimen type, sex, Social Security number, previous malignancy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and all other pertinent clinical information on the request form. Specimen Sputum, bronchial washing, bronchial brushing, bronchial alveolar lavage, body fluids, fine needle aspirates, tracheal aspirates, transbronchial aspirates Volume 2 mL Minimum Volume 1 mL Container Sterile specimen container Collection Specimen should be collected without fixative and sent to the testing facility within 24 hours of collection. Label the container with the patient's name, date, and type of specimen. Storage Instructions Maintain specimen at room temperature. Causes for Rejection Improper labeling; fixation of specimen Use Determine the presence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) Methodology Gomori methenamine silver stain and microscopic evaluation are performed. Additional Information The Cytology Laboratory does not offer a Pneumocystis stain by itself but does offer a cytologic interpretation of the specimen in conjunction with a special stain for PCP. This policy assures that the specimen is adequate (ie, if pulmonary macrophages are present in a sputum), as well as review for atypical or malignant cells. If only a special stain for PCP is wanted, without cytologic review of the cells, please order test 180232 to be sent to the Microbiology Department.

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