Submitting Specimens for Chlamydia pneumoniae Testing

Key points

  • CDC performs multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction, a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae.
  • CDC does not use culture or serological testing as routine diagnostic methods.
  • CDC only accepts specimens from state public health laboratories and other federal agencies.
Image of a microscope and a box marked as containing a biological substance.

Specimen acceptance criteria

CDC only accepts certain specimen types for C. pneumoniae testing from public health laboratories and other federal agencies.

Specimens from private healthcare providers and institutions must be submitted to a public health department laboratory for appropriate processing. Public health department laboratory staff can forward approved specimens to CDC for specialized testing.

Specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping

Specimen requirements vary by the specific test requested.

The following links provide information on specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping requirements:

Common rejection criteria

CDC's laboratory most commonly rejects specimens for C. pneumoniae testing for the following reasons:

  • Specimens stored, shipped, or received at incorrect temperatures.
  • Improperly labeled specimens.

When to collect specimens‎

Collect specimens before antimicrobial therapy starts, if possible. Tests are more likely to detect C. pneumoniae when specimen collection occurs before antimicrobial therapy starts.

Specimen collection protocol

Request permission to swab patients for C. pneumoniae and other respiratory pathogen testing who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Cough for ≥ 3 days and fever ≥ 100.0°F (reported or documented)
  • Chest x-ray confirmed pneumonia

For oropharyngeal swab specimens

Insert swab into the posterior pharynx and tonsillar areas. Rub swab over both tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx and avoid touching the tongue, teeth, and gums.

For nasopharyngeal swab specimens

Insert flexible shaft swab through the nares parallel to the palate (not upwards) until it contacts the nasopharynx. Indications of contact include encountering resistance and the distance equaling that from the ear to the patient's nostril. Gently rub and roll the swab.

Video: Collecting a nasopharyngeal swab specimen‎

During this video, the clinician collects samples by swabbing the posterior nasopharynx. While this video is not specific to C. pneumoniae, the swabbing technique is the same.
Watch the video

Resources

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases