Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotyping

• 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. 

N/A

Please include vaccination history (if known) on back of submission form or attach report to form.

Human 

Pure cultured S. pneumoniae isolates from blood and CSF specimens from children younger than 5 years old.

At least one viable colony of pure isolate per plate/slant

Store at ambient temperatures or refrigerated at 2–8°C until shipment.

Any medium that supports growth of Streptococcus spp. (e.g., blood agar, chocolate agar)

• 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.

• 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.

• 10–21 days 

• Specimens are submitted to Minnesota Department of Health ARLN laboratory for testing. 

Specimen must be a viable pure isolate for testing.

• Isolates are obtained from patients more than 5 years old.  

• Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2B submission form and specimen label. 

• Non-viable isolates

• Mixed culture/contamination

• Incorrect storage conditions 

• Expired media 

• Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form

• 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.