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HelpTest ID: SPNC Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Streptococcus pneumoniae Ag, CSFUseful For
Rapid diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis
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.
Interpretation
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.
Report Available
Same day/1 dayDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Plouffe JF, Moore SK, Davis R, Facklam RR. Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae blood culture isolates from adults in Franklin County, Ohio. J Clin Microbiol. 1994;32(6):1606-1607
2. Johnston RB Jr. Pathogenesis of pneumococcal pneumonia. Rev Infect Dis. 1991;13 Suppl 6:S509-S517. doi:10.1093/clinids/13.supplement_6.s509
3. Janoff EN, Musher DM: Streptococcus pneumoniae. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020:2473-2491
Method Name
Immunochromatographic Membrane Assay
Specimen Type
CSFAdditional Testing Requirements
According to the College of American Pathologists (CAP Immunology Checklist, 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 the vial from which the aliquot was obtained.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
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
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SPNC | Streptococcus pneumoniae Ag, CSF | 20489-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 31667 | Streptococcus pneumoniae Ag, CSF | 20489-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
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