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HelpTest ID SPNC Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, Spinal Fluid
Additional Testing Requirements
According to the College of American Pathologists (CAP, IMM.41830), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected to make an initial diagnosis and submitted for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen testing should also be submitted for routine bacterial culture. Mayo Clinic Laboratories recommends that CSF bacterial cultures be performed at the originating site.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Submit specimen collected in vial 2, if possible. If not possible, note which vial from which the aliquot was obtained.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Useful For
Rapid diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis
Method Name
Immunochromatographic Membrane Assay
Reporting Name
Streptococcus pneumoniae Ag, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently encountered bacterial agent of community-acquired pneumonia, and can also be an agent of bacterial meningitis. Because of the significant morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis, it is important to have diagnostic test methods available that can provide a rapid diagnosis. In instances where empirical antibiotics are being considered prior to culture confirmation, antigen testing may be useful.
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Cautions
A negative result does not exclude Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
A diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection must take into consideration all test results, culture results, and the clinical presentation of the patient.
Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine may cause false-positive results, especially in patients who received the vaccine 5 or fewer days prior to specimen collection.
This assay has not been validated for use with body fluids other than urine or cerebrospinal fluid.
The performance of this assay has not been established for patients on antibiotic treatment for more than 24 hours.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87899