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Neisseria Gonorrhoeae by PCR

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This test is performed via the Abbott Alinity m STI assay. The qualitative detection of DNA from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to aid in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.


Test Code
NGPCR


Alias/See Also
NG, gonorrhoeae, sexually transmitted infection


CPT Codes
87591

Includes
Neisseria gonorrhoeae


Preferred Specimen
  • Urine or swabs from the cervix, vagina, rectum, or throat collected in the Alinity m multi-collect kit. 
  • Gynecological specimen (pap smear) collected in ThinPrep PreservCyt solution.


Patient Preparation
For urine specimens: Patient should not urinate for at least 1 hour prior to sample collection. Collect the first 20-30 mL of voided urine. Do not use the midstream collection method.  See instructions in Resources.

Minimum Volume
For urine specimens: Using the pipette provided in the kit, add enough urine to the collection device so the fill volume is between the min/max window.


Other Acceptable Specimens
Neat urine. Pap smear specimen collected in ThinPrep PreservCyt solution.


Instructions
Document the physiological source of sample in the ordering EMR. Do not cover the fill window with patient label. Do not transfer pap smear specimens into the Alinity m multi-collect transport tube.


Transport Container
Alinity m multi-collect transport tube


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
15-30C up to 14 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Samples collected in any kit other than Alinity m multi-collect kit. Collection kit with more than 1 swab. Swabs from any non-approved physiological site. Vaginal swabs collected outside of a clinician's office.


Methodology
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

FDA Status
Approved

Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sat, Sun


Report Available
24 hours after specimen receipt


Limitations
The Alinity m STI Assay target of N. gonorrhoeae has been validated for male and female urine, ThinPrep specimens, and swabs from the cervix, vagina, rectum, or throat only. Performance or validity has not been established for other sample sources.
 
False negative results of Not Detected can be observed in the presence of the following interfering substances: mucus, seminal fluid, γ-globulin, glucose, feces, and certain hemorrhoidal creams or toothpaste brands.
 
This assay has not been evaluated with patients who are currently being treated with antimicrobial agents active against CT, NG, TV, and MG and should not be used to determine therapeutic success or failure as nucleic acids may persist after appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Use of the Alinity m STI Assay is not approved for patients younger than 14 years of age, for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse contact tracings, nor for other medico-legal indications. Additional testing is recommended in any circumstance when false positive or false negative results could lead to adverse medical, social, or psychological consequences.


Reference Range
Not Detected


Clinical Significance
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is the causative agent of gonorrhea, the most common STI in the United States. In men, gonorrhea usually results in acute anterior urethritis, accompanied by a purulent exudate. In women, the infection is most often found in the cervix, but the vagina and uterus may also be infected. Gonorrhea is frequently asymptomatic, especially in women. Without treatment, local complications can occur including PID, acute salpingitis, or epididymitis. NG can infect the rectum and oropharynx of both men and women. Rectal infection may result in discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, or cause painful bowel movements. Oropharyngeal infections can cause a sore throat. Infections in both of these sites are often asymptomatic and can serve as a reservoir for future infection.


Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab  
NIMAM (Immunology, Alinity M)

Additional Information
STI Specimen Collection Requirements
Alinity m Multi-Collect Specimen Collection Kit Procedure
Alinity m Multi-Collect Urine Specimen Collection
Alinity m Self-Collected Vaginal Swab Instructions

Last Updated: February 6, 2024


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.