N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test
Short Name: N. Meningitis RNA PCR
Also known as: Meningococcal RNA Detection, Neisseria meningitidis PCR
N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,780. Uses Real Time PCR on CSF, Blood, Nasopharyngeal swab, Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage samples. Results in Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email reports within 36 hours, phone within 24 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test is to confirm or rule out the presence of Neisseria meningitidis in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of meningitis or septicemia. Early and accurate detection is essential for initiating timely antimicrobial therapy, reducing morbidity and mortality, and preventing outbreaks. The test is also used for epidemiological surveillance and contact tracing in suspected cases.
- Test Code
- 6212
- CPT Code
- 87581
- ICD Code
- A39.0
- Price
- ₹5,780
- Sample Type
- CSF, Blood, Nasopharyngeal swab, Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage
- Result Time
- Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email reports within 36 hours, phone within 24 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, the patient or guardian must sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history. For CSF collection, the procedure will be explained by the attending physician.
Method: Lumbar puncture, venipuncture, or swab collection
Laboratory Analysis
For lumbar puncture, the patient is positioned on their side with knees drawn to the chest. The skin is cleaned and numbed, and a needle is inserted to collect CSF. For blood or swab collection, standard procedures are followed.
Report Delivery
After lumbar puncture, the patient should lie flat for a few hours to reduce the risk of headache. The puncture site may be sore for a day. For blood or swab, no special care is needed.
Timeline: Reports are available on the 3rd working day. Email reports within 36 hours, phone within 24 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test is to confirm or rule out the presence of Neisseria meningitidis in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of meningitis or septicemia. Early and accurate detection is essential for initiating timely antimicrobial therapy, reducing morbidity and mortality, and preventing outbreaks. The test is also used for epidemiological surveillance and contact tracing in suspected cases.
How to Prepare
- CSF should be collected in a sterile tube and transported to the lab immediately
- Blood should be collected in an EDTA tube and mixed gently
- Swabs should be placed in viral transport medium
- Samples should be labeled with patient identification and collection time
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Early detection of Neisseria meningitidis is critical to reduce mortality. This PCR-based test offers high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Insufficient sample volume
- Improper labeling
- Sample received in inappropriate container
- Sample hemolyzed or clotted (for blood)
- Sample not transported within recommended time
Understanding Your Results
Positive
Detection of N. meningitidis RNA indicates current infection. Immediate medical intervention is required.
Negative
No N. meningitidis RNA detected. However, if clinical suspicion remains high, consider alternative diagnostics or repeat testing.
Consult a physician immediately if you or a loved one experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or a rash that does not blanch under pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Limitations
- ⚠Qualitative test does not provide bacterial load or viability
- ⚠Negative result does not completely rule out infection if sample is inadequate
- ⚠Test may not detect other causes of meningitis
- ⚠Results should be correlated with clinical findings and other laboratory tests
Risks & Considerations
- ●Lumbar puncture risks: headache, bleeding, infection, nerve damage (rare)
- ●Blood draw risks: bruising, bleeding, infection
- ●Swab collection: minor discomfort
Interfering Factors
- ●Prior antibiotic therapy may reduce bacterial load and affect detection
- ●Improper sample collection or handling may lead to false negatives
- ●Contamination during collection can cause false positives
- ●Inhibitors in the sample (e.g., blood, mucus) may interfere with PCR
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test | CSF Culture | CSF Gram Stain | Antigen Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | N. Meningitis (RNA Detection) Qualitative Test | Culture is the gold standard but takes 48-72 hours and may be negative after antibiotics. PCR is faster and more sensitive. | Gram stain is rapid but less sensitive, especially with low bacterial load. PCR detects RNA even in low numbers. | Antigen tests are less sensitive and specific than PCR. PCR is preferred for definitive diagnosis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the N. Meningitis RNA Detection Test?
What sample is required for this test?
How is the CSF sample collected?
Is fasting required before the test?
How long does it take to get the results?
Can the test be done at home?
What does a positive result mean?
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Is this test covered by insurance?
Are there any risks associated with lumbar puncture?
Can prior antibiotics affect the test result?
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