Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS)

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General Information

Lab Name
Fungal PCR
Lab Code
NRFDNA
Description

In many specimens, fungal elements can be seen by microscopy of tissue sections but are very difficult to grow due to their fastidious nature, or are not viable as a result of antifungal therapy.

Some specimens may never reveal the presence of a fungal pathogen because of low abundance and/or lack of viability. Often, fungal elements are seen on paraffin embedded tissue when a fresh tissue specimen is no longer available.

The use of PCR technology to detect fungal DNA within the total DNA extracted directly from clinical specimens facilitates the identification of these pathogens. Using both fungal 28S and Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence (ITS) DNA as targets we have set up PCR assays to detect fungal pathogens. Sequences of amplified DNA are analyzed to identify the fungal pathogen present in the specimen.

Reflexive Testing

When suspected pathogenic microorganisms are detected, identification procedures are performed, as appropriate for the organism and specimen. Without reflex to Next Generation Sequencing, the individual species comprising a polymicrobial specimen cannot be resolved or reported. See, Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA] for the assay WITH reflex to NGS.

Incidental Finding Reflexes

Multiple Template Reflexes, if requested by ordering physician

Forms & Requisitions

Molecular Microbiology Order Form

Synonyms
28s PCR, 28S sequencing, broad range fungal PCR, broad range fungi PCR, fungal 28S, fungal identification, fungal ITS, Fungal PCR, fungal sequencing, fungi identification, Fungi PCR, fungi sequencing, ITS PCR, ITS sequencing, molecular fungal, molecular fungi, universal fungal PCR, universal fungi PCR
Components

Interpretation

Method

DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes

See individual components

Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Tissue (Fresh frozen or paraffin-embedded), Fluid (see Acceptable Specimens for details)
Collection

Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.

Shipping/Handling

  • Fresh frozen tissue/fluid specimens should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers and be submitted and maintained on dry ice.
  • Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET) can be sent ambient or with ice packs during warmer summer months to prevent melting.

Acceptable Specimens

*Mycobacterium avium complex DNA Detection [MAVDNA] can be ordered on sputum

**Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA] and Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRFDNA] may have interference due to some lots of eSwabs which have been found to contain Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA, resulting in false positive detection. Clinical correlation and/or retesting with a different collection method is advised. The detection of S. cerevisiae from eSwab specimens can interfere with our ability to rule out other fungal DNA.

    Unacceptable Specimens

    • Blood, serum, plasma, stool/rectal swabs
    • No citrated or heparinized solutions
    • Tissues floating in formalin
    • Swab/fluid collected in tube containing agar

    Optimal Quantity:

    • Fresh Tissue: 0.3-1.0 cm^3
    • Fluid: 0.2-1 mL
    • Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue (FFPE/PET): blocks are preferred and will be sent back to client upon completion of testing
    • Scrolls/unstained slides: cross-sectional area >1cm^2 send 10 sections of 10µm thickness, if <1cm^2 send 20 sections if available

    Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.

    Forms & Requisitions

    Molecular Microbiology Order Form

    Handling Instructions

    Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.

    Quantity
    requested: See "Collection" for Optimal Quantity
    minimum: Specimens below optimal quantity are acceptable for testing, however, diagnostic yield is generally proportional to specimen size.

    Processing

    Processing

    UWMC/HMC: Store and send fresh tissue/fluid specimens refrigerated, if specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C. Freeze all fresh tissue/fluid specimens at -20°C upon arrival in UW Molecular Microbiology.

    Performance

    LIS Dept Code
    Micro Molecular Diag (MMD)
    Performing Location(s)
    UW-MT Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
    206-520-4600

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    Shipping Address

    Attn: Molecular Microbiology
    UW CLSPS
    1601 Lind Ave SW Room 117
    Renton, WA 98057
    Phone: 206-520-4600
    Alternate phone: 206-598-6147

    Performing Lab Address

    Clinical Microbiology Lab, NW177
    University of Washington Medical Center
    1959 NE Pacific Street
    Seattle, WA 98195
    Phone: 206-598-5735
    Alternate phone: 206-598-6147

    Contact Information

    Please e-mail us with any questions or comments you may have. Your inquiry will be answered as soon as possible.

    email: molmicdx@uw.edu

    The Molecular Microbiology lab is open from Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm PDT.

    Billing inquiries and requests for faxed reports can be made to our Client Services Department at (206) 520-4600 or (800) 713-5198.

    For results or other inquiries, we can be reached by phone at the following numbers:

    • Phone: (206) 598-5735
    • Alternate phone: (206) 598-6147
    • FAX: (206) 520-4903

    For assistance during weekends, holidays and after hours, please contact Lab Medicine Resident at (206) 598-6190
    Frequency
    Fresh frozen tissues/fluids result in 2-3 business days after receipt of specimen. Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues result in 3-4 business days after receipt of specimen.
    Available STAT?
    No

    Billing & Coding

    CPT codes
    87801
    LOINC
    42805-2
    Interfaced Order Code
    UOW5277