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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia DNA, Body Fluid — Qualitative, Nucleic Acid Amplification With Probe Detection

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A molecular test that checks a body fluid for genetic material from the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Quick summary

["A positive result means the bacterium's DNA was detected in the fluid, but it must be interpreted with the specimen source and clinical findings."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
106606-7
Short code
S maltoph DNA Fld Ql NAA+n-prb
Synonyms
S maltoph DNA Fld Ql NAA+n-prb
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
7
Ref high
56
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
non-probe-amp-tar
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302773008
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 is this test?

This test looks for DNA from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a Gram-negative bacterium also formerly called Xanthomonas maltophilia. The sample may be a body fluid, depending on the clinical situation.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order it when there is concern for an infection involving S. maltophilia, particularly in someone with a weakened immune system or symptoms related to a specific body fluid. It may also be used to investigate suspected bacterial contamination.

How is the test performed?

The laboratory uses the fluid to detect bacterial DNA through nucleic acid amplification with probe detection. This is a qualitative test, so it reports whether the target DNA was detected rather than measuring the amount present.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation or fasting is usually required, but collection instructions depend on the type of body fluid. Follow the clinician's directions carefully and tell the laboratory about any antibiotics or recent procedures, because these may affect interpretation.

Reference range

Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

S. maltophilia DNA test, body fluid

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
It means DNA from S. maltophilia was detected in the submitted fluid. The finding may support an infection or contamination, depending on how and where the sample was collected.
Does a negative result rule out S. maltophilia infection?
No. A negative result means the target DNA was not detected at the test's detection limit; sampling, antibiotic use, or a low bacterial burden can still allow an infection to be missed.
Is this the same as a standard bacterial culture?
No. This test directly looks for bacterial DNA and can return results more quickly, while culture grows the organism and can provide information about which antibiotics may work.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy