Neisseria meningitidis
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586
Neisseria meningitidis
Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis, bacterial)
Neisseria meningitidis confirmation and serogrouping
Submit freshly growing, pure isolate from invasive disease (normally sterile site) on a chocolate agar secured with a screw cap. If plated media is used, seal plates with parafilm or other appropriate barrier film
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Bacterial Isolate
Write "N. meningitidis" under Comments/Other Test Requests
Transport at ambient temperature (15° to 30° C) as soon as possible after identification.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Providers must report patient information on Meningococcal Disease (Bacterial) immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
Confirmation and Serogroup: within 3 business days
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Sendout Departments