Pneumococcal Nucleic Acid Detection in Respiratory Specimen (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of genetic material from *Pneumococcus* bacteria in your respiratory secretions, such as sputum or nasal swabs, using a molecular probe.
["Quickly identifies possible pneumococcal infection without waiting for bacterial culture results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 85688-0
- Short code
- S pneum lytA Ct Spec Qn NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- S pneum lytA Ct Spec Qn NAA+probe
- Category
- coagulation
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, especially if you’re at higher risk for pneumonia or other respiratory infections caused by *Pneumococcus*. It’s also used in certain hospital settings to guide treatment decisions early.
How the Test Works
The test uses a specialized probe to detect genetic material (nucleic acids) from *Pneumococcus* in your respiratory sample. This method is highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the bacteria’s DNA, helping confirm infection without growing the bacteria in a lab.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from your nose, throat, or lungs (e.g., sputum or nasal swab). The sample is then processed in a lab to extract the genetic material for testing.
Test Limitations and Considerations
This test is qualitative (yes/no result) and may not detect all strains of *Pneumococcus*. False negatives can occur if the sample isn’t collected correctly or if the bacteria are present in low amounts. It’s best used alongside clinical judgment and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result strongly suggests *Pneumococcus* infection and helps guide treatment with antibiotics targeting this specific bacteria. A negative result doesn’t always mean infection is absent—other causes of symptoms (e.g., viruses) may still be present. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
Pneumococcal NAAT (Respiratory)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
How Long Until Results Are Available?
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