Pre-Approval Required

None

Supplemental Information or Form

1. Pure, viable subculture  of an isolate from a sterile body source
2. Completed submittal form with 2 patient identifiers (e.g. name and date of birth), collection date and source, a brief but complete patient history, cultural history and submitting laboratory’s findings
3. Documentation that indicates the role of this isolate in clinical disease
4. Form LAB 446

Performed on Specimens From

None

Acceptable Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

Confirmed or suspected Neisseria meningitidis isolate

Minimum Volume Required

None

Storage & Preservation of Sample/Specimen Prior to Shipping

None

Transport

Tubed agar medium with a secure screw cap, labeled with patient’s name

Sample/Specimen Labeling

None

Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements

1. Grow isolate under appropriate conditions prior to shipping.
2. Ship at ambient temperature using appropriate DOT/IATA approved shipping procedures.

Test Methodology

As needed - Biochemical testing, Serogrouping by slide agglutination or, if appropriate, by an in-house validated PCR procedure, Gene Sequencing by PCR, and/ or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Please note that serogrouping will only be performed on isolates from sterile body sites, such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, that have been confirmed as Neisseria meningitidis.

Turnaround Time

One week

Interferences & Limitations

Mixed or nonviable culture

Additional Information

Please contact the MDL Vaccine Preventable Pathogens & Molecular Bacteriology Unit (VPP & MBU) for special consideration if any of the above criteria cannot be met.

MDL Points of Contact

VPP & MBU Unit: (510) 412-3700

Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM PT

Email: MDL.Submissions@CDPH.ca.gov