Pneumococcal Disease Tests Test
Pneumococcal disease tests check for pneumococcus bacteria in your body to find out if you have an infection caused by these bacteria.
What this test measures
Pneumococcal disease tests look for pneumococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) in your blood, urine, sputum, or cerebrospinal fluid. The type of test depends on your symptoms and may include a PCR test, antigen test, or culture.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive result means pneumococcus bacteria were found in your specimen, and you most likely have pneumococcal disease.
Lower-than-normal results
A negative result means no pneumococcus bacteria were found, so your symptoms are most likely not caused by pneumococcal disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is any infection caused by pneumococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae).
What types of tests are used?
Tests include pneumococcal PCR test, antigen test, and culture. They check for bacteria in blood, urine, sputum, or cerebrospinal fluid.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means pneumococcus bacteria were found in your specimen, and you most likely have pneumococcal disease.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means no pneumococcus bacteria were found, so your symptoms are most likely not caused by pneumococcal disease.
Who is at higher risk for pneumococcal disease?
People at higher risk include those age 65 or older, children under 5, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or certain chronic conditions.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Pneumococcal Disease Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.