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HelpEpic Test Code LAB35701 Fungitell, BAL
Additional Codes
MML:FUNBL
Performing Laboratory
Eurofins ViracorSpecimen Type
LavageSpecimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavage | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
| Ambient | 4 days |
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: BAL
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 – 3 mL
Note: Ship frozen
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Reporting Name
Fungitell, BALReject Due To
| Hemolysis | Mild reject; Gross reject |
| Lipemia | Mild reject; Gross reject |
| Icterus | Mild reject; Gross reject |
| Other | NA |
Method Name
Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Pathway
Clinical Information
The Fungitell Beta – D Glucan assay detects (1,3) – Beta-D-glucan from the following pathogens: Candida spp., Acremonium, Aspergillus spp., Coccidioides immitis, Fusarium spp., Histoplasma capsulatum, Trichosporon spp., Sporothrix schenckii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Pneumocystis jiroveci.
The Fungitell Beta-D Glucan assay does not detect certain fungal species such as the genus Cryptococcus, which produces very low levels of (1,3) – Beta-D-glucan, nor the Zygomycetes, such as Absidia, Mucor, and Rhizopus, which are not known to produce (1,3) – Beta-D-glucan. Studies indicate Blastomyces dermatitidis is usually not detected due to little (1,3) – Beta-D-glucan produced in the yeast phase.
Reference Values
A reference range for specimens other than serum has not been established.
Interpretation
The performance characteristics of the Fungitell assay in BAL have been determined by Viracor-Eurofins; there are no established criteria for the interpretation of Fungitell results from BAL fluid. Research studies have evaluated the use of the Fungitell assay in BAL in both immunocompromised patients (Mycopathologia (2013) 175:33-41) and acute eosinophilic pneumonia (Chest (2003) 123:1302-1307).
Report Available
1 to 6 daysNY State Approved
YesCPT Code Information
87449