Meningococcal PCR

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
Sample sent to PHE Manchester MRU referral laboratory for Meningococcal PCR. This real-time PCR identifies Neisseria meningitidis DNA and the meningococcal serogroup. This can be performed on EDTA (whole blood) or CSF.
Related condition or disease: 
Meningitis, Meningococcal sepsis
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Sample types: Serum, EDTA blood. Or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), joint fluid in sterile universal with no additives.
A minimum of 400 µL (0.4 mL) of fluid (for example EDTA, CSF). Greater volumes (up to 2 mL) are preferred to allow repeat testing.
Turnaround time: 
7-10 days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples should be sent to CSR promptly as the sensitivity of assays that detect RNA/DNA depend on sample quality/integrity. Please store samples in a refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 15/05/2023