Neisseria meningitidis PCR

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

NM

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8780

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

A dedicated specimen (i.e. no other tests to be performed) is required for this assay

Separating

Unspun EDTA whole blood

Laboratory

EDTA whole blood should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.

Sample Stability

EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.

Synonyms

Neisseria meningitidis PCR
Neisseria meningitidis Nucleic Acid Detection

Turnaround Time

1 day

Tests performed as required.

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Sample requirements
EDTA whole blood: minimum 1 mL, unspun.

Sample stability:
EDTA whole blood: stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. Do not freeze whole blood.

Transport:
Transport EDTA whole blood chilled at 2–8°C if it will be received within 7 days of collection.

For any other specimen type, please contact Clinical Virologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before sending the specimen.

Test Method

Qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (detected / not detected).

Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Virology via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Contact Information