Meningococcal PCR (CSF)

Testing Laboratories

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital
Waitematā | Waitakere Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

CSF

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2444

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Hand deliver to the laboratory only.

Registration

Give to Microbiology with a copy of the form. Microbiology will make the decision to register Viral PCR, not Specimen Reception. Register the code CSF only. Alternate test code : MPAN (Middlemore), CPAN (LabPlus)

Laboratory

DO NOT OPEN the specimen bag. Place the labels in the pocket ONLY.

Sample Stability

7 days

Synonyms

Meningococcal PCR (CSF)

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Specimen Type

  • CSF

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

No of Samples Required

3

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Includes HSV, VZV, Parechovirus, Enterovirus, Meningococcus, Pneumococcus, plus Herpes virus 6 and parvovirus if clinical details warrant.
If special tests are required eg Acid Fast, Bacilli, Cryptococcus and Amoeba, a larger volume should be sent.

Last updated: 10/09/2026