Pneumococcal PCR
Microbiology
Notes
- CSF or blood may be used for the diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis
- Blood should only be tested when pneumococcal meningitis is a likely diagnosis
- All cases of suspected invasive pneumococcal disease should have blood cultures taken
- For severe pneumococcal disease a pneumococcal urinary antigen test may be of value
- Pneumococcal meningitis 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
- Length of history
- Prior administration of antibiotics
- 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 a National Reference Centre
Up to 7 days