Neisseria meningitidis blood PCR

Diagnostic Use

This PCR is useful for the diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia.

PCR will allow the confirmation of the etiological agent when preceding antimicrobial therapy has inhibited growth and offers a rapid diagnosis in cases that clinically indicate meningococcal disease. Confirmation of diagnosis is extremely important not only in the treatment of the patient but also in the management of contact tracing.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

NPCR

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Dedicated EDTA required

Laboratory

Testing is batched daily Monday-Friday at approximately 9.30am, with results available from mid-afternoon. Urgent or weekend testing must be discussed with and approved by a Microbiologist.

Test Adds

As a dedicated sample is required, add-on testing is not available. Please call Virology to discuss.

Synonyms

Meningitis - N.meningitidis - PCR
Meningococcal disease - PCR
PCR - Neisseria meningitidis
Septicemia - Meningococcal

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

2534

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood
• Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Dedicated sample required. Sample cannot be shared for other tests.

For testing on CSF samples please refer to CNS PCR: https://www.chl.co.nz/test/csf-cns-pcr-infectious-screen/

Skin biopsy of lesion in sterile container.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Place specimen in PCR bag.

Interpretation

A positive test supports diagnosis. Neisseria meningitidis is a notifiable infectious disease and should be reported to the Medical Officer of Health.

Test Method

Nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification and detection.

For Neisseria meningitidis detection from CSF see CNS PCR: https://www.chl.co.nz/test/csf-cns-pcr-infectious-screen/

If testing is urgent, please contact a CHL Microbiologist.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$215.2 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2534

Positive samples are referred to ESR for typing.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form