| Synonym(s): |
Pneumococcus, pneumococci, pneumococcal, respiratory, invasive, Minnesota ARLN |
| Requisition Form |
G-2B |
| Test Description |
- Serotype identification by whole genome sequencing (WGS).
- Only isolates of invasive S.pneumoniae from children younger than 5 years old are reportable and accepted by DSHS Lab.
- Isolates submitted by DSHS Lab to Minnesota Dept. of Health AR Lab Network lab for serotyping.
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Test Description
Pre-Approval Needed |
N/A
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| Supplemental Information Required |
Please include vaccination history (if known) on back of submission form or attach report to form.
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) |
Human
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing |
Pure cultured S. pneumoniae isolates from blood and CSF specimens from children younger than 5 years old.
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required |
At least one viable colony of pure isolate per plate/slant
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping |
Store at ambient temperatures or refrigerated at 2–8°C until shipment.
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| Transport Medium |
Any medium that supports growth of Streptococcus spp. (e.g., blood agar, chocolate agar)
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| Specimen Labeling |
- At least two patient identifiers are required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number).
- Three patient identifiers are preferred.
- Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements |
- Ship at room temperature or on cold packs. Ship with several cold packs during times of excessive temperatures.
- Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
- Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
- Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.
- Triple-contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations.
- Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements.
- Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping materials.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines online here
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| Method |
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) |
| Turn-around Time |
- 10–21 days
- Specimens are submitted to Minnesota Department of Health ARLN laboratory for testing.
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| Interferences/Limitations |
Specimen must be a viable pure isolate for testing.
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| Common Causes for Rejection |
- Isolates are obtained from patients more than 5 years old.
- Incorrect specimen collection method(s)
- Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2B submission form and specimen label.
- Insufficient specimen growth
- Non-viable isolates
- Mixed culture/contamination
- Incorrect storage conditions
- Expired reagents/media/collection container
- Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form
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| Additional Information |
- Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in children younger than 5 years old is a notifiable condition and isolates are REQUIRED to be submitted to the DSHS Laboratory per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter 97.
- Mark the “IDEAS” box as the payor source on the G-2B form.
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