Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease:

• perform whole blood real-time PCR testing (EDTA sample) for N meningitidis to confirm a diagnosis of meningococcal disease
• the PCR blood sample should be taken as soon as possible because early samples are more likely to be positive
• use PCR testing of blood samples from other hospital laboratories if available, to avoid repeating the test
• be aware that a negative blood PCR test result for N meningitidis does not rule out meningococcal disease
• submit CSF to the laboratory to hold for PCR testing for N meningitidis and S pneumoniae, but only perform the PCR testing if the CSF culture is negative
• be aware that CSF samples taken up to 96 hours after admission to hospital may give useful results. Skin samples and throat swabs for meningococcal disease
  
  

Reference:

• 1) NICE (June 2010). Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia Management of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children and young people younger than 16 years in primary and secondary care