Listeria monocytogenes Isolation from Clinical Specimen

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure Number: MAA0025A

Synonym(s): Listeriosis, culture
Requisition Form G-2B
Test Description Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from clinical specimen (with reflex to definitive identification and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)
  • Human (stool culture for L. monocytogenes is not performed)
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Blood: Collect in red top, tiger top tube, or blood culture bottle
  • CSF and amniotic fluid: collect in screw-top sterile container
  • Tissue: collect by biopsy or autopsy procedures and place in screw top sterile container
  • Placenta: collect specimen in screw-top sterile container
Minimum Volume/Size Required
  • Blood, CSF, amniotic fluid: 1ml
  • Tissue, placenta: “pea-sized” or larger
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping Store refrigerated at 2–8°C until shipment.  
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • At least two patient identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number). 
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred. 
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship refrigerated at 2–8°C on cold packs for overnight delivery to Laboratory. 
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
  • Triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations. 
  • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements. 
  • Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping materials.
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here
Method Culture
Turn-around Time 5–10 days 
Interferences/Limitations
  • Specimen should be taken from patient prior to antimicrobial therapy.  
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Incorrect specimen collection or submission methods 
  • Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2B submission form and specimen label.
  • Insufficient specimen growth
  • Incorrect storage conditions 
  • Expired reagents/media/collection container
  • Discrepancies between G-2B submission form and specimen label
  • Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form
Additional Information N/A