Neisseria meningitidis PCR

Neisseria meningitidis PCR

Microbiology

PCR NM

Cerebral Spinal Fluid 

Plasma in EDTA

Sterile CSF conical tubes (300 μl) for CSF

EDTA tubes (500 μl) for Plasma

Sterile CSF Tube           EDTA tube

CSF Collection:

• Tube 1- Chemistry
• Tube 2- Cytology
• Tube 3- Microbiology (Microbiology is x4 tubes collected)
• Tube 4- Hematology 
• The last tube collected will be processed for the cell count

• Lumbar Puncture
  • Clean the puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol before needle insertion. Insert a needle with stylet at the L3-L4, L4-L5 or L5-LS interspace. When subarachnoid space is reached, remove stylet and spinal fluid will appear in the needle hub. Slowly drain CSF into sterile tubes.
• Shunt Fluid
  • Clean the reservoir site with antiseptic solution and alcohol. Collect fluid through the reservoir unit and place it in a sterile tube.
    Indicate method of collection on requisition.

Suggested Volumes:

• Routine Culture (C&S) - 2 mL
• Fungus Culture - 2 mL
• Mycobacterium Culture - 2 mL
• Virus Culture - 2 mL

Specimen should be transported to the laboratory ASAP after collection in biohazard bag.

Specimen should be stored at 2-8°C after collection in the laboratory.

Specimen should be frozen in the laboratory if transportation of specimen delay for more than 72 hours.

Offsite, Referral Laboratory