Test Name

Bacterial Meningitis/Sepsis PCR for detection of Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Test Methodology

Real-time PCR

Reflex Testing Criteria

​​All specimens positive for Neisseria meningitidis will be tested for serogroup. All blood and CSF specimens positive for Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae will be tested for serotype.

Pre-Approval Required

No

Supplemental Information and Required Form(s)

Form PCR-VPP01 (PDF) “Bacterial Sepsis/Meningitis” from the drop-down menu on the MDL General Electronic Submission Form

The MDL General Electronic Submission Form  should be downloaded and opened using a pdf viewer. To download, right-click the link and select “Save link as.” If you are unable to open the Form using a pdf viewer, please contact MDL at 510-412-3700 or MDL.Submissions@CDPH.ca.gov.

Instructions on completing this form

Required Specimen Type(s)

Patient specimen from a normally sterile body site that has not yielded growth on bacterial culture.

Acceptable specimens include EDTA whole blood, blood culture bottle media, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or pleural fluid.

For CSF specimens, please indicate its WBC count, protein, and glucose levels.

Minimum Volume Required

0.5 ml

Specimen Stability

Rejection Criteria

Refrigerated on cold packs or frozen on dry ice. ​​Please note: blood cultures bottles should not be sent frozen, but aliquots from a well-mixed blood culture bottle may be sent frozen.

Transport Medium, if applicable

Not applicable

Specimen Labeling

Two identifiers, including patient full name, and at least one other identifier (specimen accession number, DOB, MRN); date and time of collection as noted for specific tests, if applicable.

Shipping Instructions and Specimen Handling Requirements

Ship refrigerated or frozen using appropriate DOT/IATA approved shipping procedures.

Ensure that specimens are sent in a container with a screw-top cap if not sending the original vacutainer tube or blood culture bottle; seal with parafilm or tape for additional protection against leaking.

Ship to:

Specimen Collection Instructions, if applicable

Not applicable

Turnaround Time

5 days

Interferences & Limitations

Specimen from a non-sterile site or that has a positive culture.

Reference Range

Not Applicable

Additional Information

None

MDL Point of Contact

For questions regarding submissions, please email MDL.Submissions@cdph.ca.gov or MDL at 510-412-3700.