Pneumococcal Antibody Detection (Serum/Plasma) – Immunoassay for Neisseria meningitidis Group A
This test measures antibodies in your blood that may help detect past or current infection by *Neisseria meningitidis* group A, a bacterium that can cause serious illnesses like meningitis or sepsis.
["Helps assess immune response to meningococcal bacteria, though not a direct infection confirmation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 91804-5
- Short code
- M pneumo DNA Upper resp Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- M pneumo DNA Upper resp Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This immunoassay detects specific antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by your immune system in response to exposure to *N. meningitidis* group A. The test identifies whether your body has recognized and fought off this bacterium, though it does not confirm an active infection at the time of testing. Antibody levels can vary depending on timing since exposure and immune response strength.
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test in patients at higher risk of meningococcal disease—such as those with complement deficiencies, asplenia, or recent travel to regions with high infection rates—to monitor immune response or guide vaccination decisions. It’s not typically used for routine screening in healthy individuals.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed into serum or plasma for testing. This test does not require fasting or special preparation beyond standard blood draws.
What to Expect Before or After
No special preparation is needed. After drawing blood, you may feel slight discomfort, but it typically resolves quickly. If you’re taking blood thinners, inform your provider beforehand, as it may affect clotting during the draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive antibody results suggest prior exposure to *N. meningitidis* group A, which may indicate immunity or past infection. However, antibody levels alone do not diagnose active disease. This test is most useful in high-risk populations to assess vaccination efficacy or guide preventive measures. False negatives can occur if testing occurs too early after exposure, and false positives may rarely occur with cross-reacting antibodies from other bacteria.
Short name
Meningococcal Group A Antibody Screening
Frequently asked questions
When might I get this test?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get this test if I’m pregnant?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy