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Test Code KKBRP Kingella kingae, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of Kingella kingae infection using whole blood specimens

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

Kingella kingae PCR, B

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA


Specimen Required


The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Kingella kingae DNA is unlikely.

 

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Royal blue top (EDTA), pink top (EDTA), or sterile vial containing EDTA-derived aliquot

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube (preferred).


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Clinical Information

Kingella kingae is a fastidious short gram-negative bacillus that may colonize the oropharynx of young children. Colonization may occasionally lead to invasive disease via hematogenous dissemination, primarily in children younger than 4 years of age. This most commonly results in bone and joint infection; K kingae is the most frequent cause of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children aged 6 to 36 months. K kingae may also cause endocarditis, involving both native and prosthetic valves, in patients of any age and is considered part of the HACEK (Haemophilus species, Aggregatibacter species, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella species) group of organisms, known for causing culture-negative endocarditis. K kingae produces a repeat-in-toxin (RTX) toxin.

 

Diagnosis of K kingae infection may be challenging due to the fastidious nature of the organism in culture. Evaluation of blood by polymerase chain reaction is a useful tool for the diagnosis of some cases of K kingae infection.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

2 to 7 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87798