Neisseria meningitidis – Real-time PCR
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Testing Indications
This test is offered under the following conditions:
- When the clinical picture is consistent with a diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease.
- When the submitting laboratory is unable to culture N. meningitidis after 24-48 hours incubation and meningococcal disease is still suspected (e.g. due to use of antibiotics prior to obtaining a specimen from the patient)
Contact PHO Laboratory Customer Service Centre prior to collection of specimens
Specimen Requirements
Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Neisseria meningitidis PCR |
CSF |
250 μl |
Sterile container |
|
Neisseria meningitidis PCR |
Whole blood or plasma in EDTA |
250 μl |
ETDA |
Submission and Collection Notes
Include gram stain results and clinical information on the General Test Requisition Form.
Limitations
Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
The Neisseria meningitidis – Real-time PCR test is performed as needed Monday to Friday.
Turnaround time is up to 3 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.
STAT and Critical Samples Testing
Testing on weekends may be performed under special circumstances. Contact the After-hours emergency duty officer at 416-605-3113 for after-hours consultation.
Neisseria meningitidis specimen nucleic acids are tested using a Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of a Neisseria meningitidis carbohydrate transporter (ctrA) and capsular biosynthesis genes for serogroups A, B, C, W135, X and Y.
The sensitivity of the Real Time PCR test is higher than conventional culture.
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