Meningococcal PCR (meningitis meningococcus)
Microbiology
Notes
The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
- May be used for the diagnosis of meningococcal infection from CSF or blood
- Blood should only be tested when meningococcal infection is a likely diagnosis
- All cases of suspected invasive meningococcal disease should have blood cultures taken
- For retrospective diagnosis of meningococcal disease a meningococcal antibody test may be of value
- Invasive meningococcal disease is a notifiable disease. Click for notification form.
Sample requirements
CSF
This will be performed on selected CSF samples sent for microscopy and culture.
A minimum CSF volume of 400 µl is required for reliable testing.
Blood
Plasma (preferred) or serum - paired samples not required
4ml of blood taken into an EDTA Tube
For babies and small children a minimum of one full 2mL paediatric EDTA or one full paediatric Mini Collect EDTA tube is required
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Date of onset
- Length of history
- Prior administration of antibiotics
- Contact with other suspected cases
- Vaccination history
Storage/transport
CSF samples must be transported immediately to the laboratory
Please inform the laboratory when CSF samples are collected
Store blood samples at fridge temperature and transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature
Turnaround time
Sent to the National Reference Centre
Up to 7 days