Search All

Lab Test Dictionary

Pneumonia Pathogens Panel (BALPC)

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Synonyms

Biofire PNA Panel

Specimen Type

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Performing Lab

UCSD Microbiology

Epic ID

Other Reference Test

Lab Test Days

Daily

Standard TAT

1 Day

Collection Information

Specimen Required

1-2 mL Broncoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Container Type

Sterile Container

Processing Information - Lab Use Only

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate-Only

Specimen Stability

Room Temp=Unacceptable; Refrigerated=24 Hous; Frozen=Unacceptable

Rejection Criteria

Sputum; Endotracheal aspirates; Centrifuged or pre-processed samples; Specimens with preservatives, additives or mucolytic agents

Test Volume Required

2 mL Broncoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Minimum Test Volume

1 mL Broncoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Processing Instructions

Complete UCSD Microbiology/Virology requisition and submit with specimen refrigerated within 24 hours of collection. Send with TForce route courier Monday-Friday or call for a pick-up same day specimen is packaged including on weekends.

Included Tests

Detection of 18 Bacteria (Acinetobactercalcoaceticus-baumanii complex, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae group, Moraxella catarrhalis, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumonia), 7 resistance markers (CTX-M, IMP,

Comments

Because of the high sensitivity of this assay, it will not be performed on multiple BAL specimens per patient and will not be repeated within 7 days. This assay should not be used as a test of cure, as the presence of nucleic acids can persist even when infections have been adequately treated.