Neisseria meningitidis PCR

Test Name	Neisseria meningitidis PCR
Alternate Name(s)
Laboratory Module	Microbiology
Ordering Mnemonic	PCR NM
Specimen Type	Cerebral Spinal Fluid Plasma in EDTA
Collection Container	Sterile CSF conical tubes (300 μl) for CSF EDTA tubes (500 μl) for Plasma
Container Information	Sterile CSF Tube EDTA tube
Collection Information	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
Test Schedule	Monday - Friday
Routine Turnaround Time	up to 3 days
Critical Values	Positive result information made available to health care professional.
Lab Process Notes
Storage and Transport	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.
Test Referred To	Offsite, Referral Laboratory

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