26519 Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, Spinal Fluid

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Pneumococcus Antigen

S. pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumonia

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​Rapid diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis.

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.

​Collection Instructions: Submit specimen collected in vial 2, if possible. If not possible, note which vial from which the aliquot was obtained.

​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.​

​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.

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.​

​A positive result supports a diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis.

A negative result suggests that pneumococcal antigen is absent in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, infection due to Streptococcus pneumoniae cannot be ruled out since the antigen present in the specimen may be below the lower limit of detection of the test.​

If pneumococcal meningitis is suspected, bacterial culture and Gram stain analysis on CSF should be performed.