Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

bacterial meningitis

The meningococcal RT-PCR test is used for detecting N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae. This assay has been designed and validated using the Stratagene® Mx3005P™ and the applied biosystems 7500 real-time PCR machines to detect agents of bacterial meningitis

Analyte(s)

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A,B,C, W135, Y)

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Test Code

2300

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

No

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed by electronic order)

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Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from the BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Turn Around time

3-5 business days after receipt at the laboratory

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Collection Media

CSF collection tube

Specimen Sources

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

None.

Storage Conditions

Store specimens at 2 – 8o C until time of shipment. Specimens must arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of collection.

Packaging and Shipping

Specimens should be shipped at 2 – 8o C to arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of collection.

Include paperwork with specimens but separate them physically by placing the paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag.

unsatisfactory specimen

1) Specimens received outside the acceptable temperature range
2) No patient identification on specimen tube
3) Patient identifiers on the specimen do not match the requisition or test order
4) Specimen damaged or leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

Any specimen type other than CSF are not able to be tested with this method.

Reference Range

Negative: Not detected

Result Indicator

Positive: Identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C, W135, and Y)

Negative: Not detected

Reference lab

CDC

Reflex testing

None