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HelpTest Code CSFSTREPM Streptococcus pneumonia Antigen, Spinal Fluid
Additional Codes
St. Luke's Compendium Code (Iatric): M139.0900
Performing Laboratory
St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Specimen Requirements
Spinal Fluid
1. Submit a minimum of 1 mL of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial as follows:
A. Physician should collect spinal fluid aseptically by lumbar
puncture.
B. Divide specimen into 3 or 4 screw-capped, sterile vials (each
containing 1-2 mL of spinal fluid).
C. Label vials sequentially. Tube #2 is generally used for
microbiology testing.
2. Label vials with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
Negative
Limitations:
-This test has only been validated for urine or CSF sample types.
-A negative test does not exclude infection with S. pneumoniae. This test should be used in conjunction with other findings.
-This test has not been evaluated on patients taking antibiotics for greater than 24 hours.
-Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine may cause false-positive results in urine in the 48 hours following vaccination. The effect of vaccination has not been determined on persons with pneumococcal meningitis. Hence, it is recommended that this test not be administered within 5 days of receiving the S. pneumoniae vaccine.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
CPT: 87449
LOINC: 24027-5
Physician Office Specimen Requirements
See “External Specimen Required.”
Reflex Testing
A traditional CSF culture and gram stain will be performed in conjunction with this test regardless if the antigen result is positive or negative. Culture will be performed at an additional charge.